Research Analyst
I grew up in the Dallas area, and knew in high school that I wanted to be a scientist. I attended the University of Texas at Dallas and received a BS and MS in chemistry, with a minor in government and politics. I married my high school sweetheart (and fellow science nerd) after my sophomore year at UTD.
Before graduate school I interned at Probe Ministries, an apologetics and worldview ministry. After completing my graduate degree, I decided to go back to Probe as a full-time research assistant. I wrote radio programs and publications, gave speaking engagements, and answered emails in the area of faith and science. During this time I was introduced to CBHD and Trinity’s bioethics program. I had taken a bioethics class while in graduate school. I realized how little my science degrees had prepared me to think about the moral implications of scientific research. After much prayer and consideration, and contrary to my pronouncement that I would never go back to graduate school, I enrolled in Trinity’s MA in Bioethics.
In 2010, I left Probe to work more in the public square as a teacher and writer. I love working with teens, and currently work part time as a SAT/ACT test prep instructor for Revolution Prep. The other part of the time I am a freelance science writer and a Research Analyst for CBHD. I enjoy updating bioethics.com and using my past radio experience to help write scripts for the Everyday Bioethics Audio Commentary. After graduating this May, I hope to continue to pursue these avenues more fully, and might even write a book one day.
Research Analyst
Having completed an undergraduate degree in Intercultural Studies (Greek minor) and a MDiv in Wisconsin in 2010, I moved to the Chicago area to pursue a ThM in Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School during the 2010-2011 school year. In the fall of 2011, I returned to TEDS to begin a PhD in the same discipline. This semester finds me working on a dissertation in the metaphysics of the Incarnation – specifically, dyotheletism (the doctrine that the incarnate Christ has two wills corresponding to his two natures, human and divine) in relation to the metaphysics of mind and volition – as well as an MA in Philosophy at Northern Illinois University. Most of my current research falls under the rubrics of analytic philosophical theology, philosophy of religion, metaphysics, and philosophy of language. Upon completing doctoral studies, I hope to teach theology and philosophy.
For the past five years, I have also had the privilege of working as an Individual Support Professional for the clients of Shepherds Ministries, a Christian organization that provides assistance and care for intellectually disabled individuals. My first exposure to CBHD occurred in that context, when I came across helpful materials related to disability ethics on the Center’s website in the course of work-related research.
I am delighted to have joined the CBHD research team as a Research Analyst. The opportunity to participate in its important work, and particularly to contribute to interdisciplinary dialogue from the perspective of theology and philosophy, is one I value highly.
Research Assistant
Originally from Southwest Ohio, I graduated from God’s Bible School and College in Cincinnati in 2010 where I majored in Ministerial Education. My wife and I moved to Chicago the following summer, and I am currently pursuing a MA in Christian Thought with an emphasis in Systematic Theology.
My roommate during my undergraduate education was pursuing a degree in biology at the University of Cincinnati, and I had the opportunity to attend a number of conferences with him about the intersection of faith and science, attending presentations from Kenneth Miller, E.O. Wilson, and others. The conferences, as well as numerous conversations with my friend, shaped and challenged my understanding of the role and importance of theology’s contribution to the advancement of science.
Attending the recent Fellows consultation on synthetic gametes reinforced my belief about the importance of bringing theologically informed ethical reflection to bear on the remarkably complex bioethical challenges of our day.
