An American Scientist Living Out His Faith

For Michael, his work as a professor and researcher at a leading United States medical school is an act of worship. “I heard someone describe research as thinking God’s thoughts after him, and that resonated with me,” he shares. His research explores how cells move to their intended destinations and connect with one another as well as what happens when they are injured. This work has important implications for treating cancer, brain and spinal cord injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Yet Michael’s calling extends beyond the lab. At his institution, he is not aware of any other Christians among the faculty. Still, each morning he begins his day with a simple prayer: “God, help me love you and my neighbor.”

In a high-pressure academic environment where success is often measured by grants and research output, Michael seeks to live differently. “I want people to see that I have hope even when things are tough,” he says.

Through the help of the Holy Spirit, Michael is open about his faith, and his example is making an impact. Some of his graduate students have been surprised to discover that a respected researcher at his level is a Christian. “One student laughed when I mentioned God as the reason for the hope that I have,” Michael recalls. “Today, she is a believer.” When students respect a professor who follows Jesus, they often begin to consider faith for themselves.

Over the years, several international graduate students in Michael’s lab have come to faith in Christ. They first noticed his kindness and integrity, along with his excellence in research, and asked him about that. Conversations about spiritual topics also often began naturally through discussions about holidays or cultural traditions.

When one student faced a personal crisis, Michael invited him to church. That day, the speaker happened to be an academic scholar, which deeply resonated with the student. He later placed his faith in Christ, and Michael had the joy of attending his baptism. Reflecting on this, Michael says, “All I had to do was be a conduit for God to work through me.”

Michael first connected with the Society of Christian Scholars after seeing a brochure that highlighted how influential university professors can be in shaping future leaders, for good or for harm. That message stayed with him. It reinforced the importance of reaching students during their university years.

Through the Society of Christian Scholars, Michael has found a community of believers who understand the unique challenges of academic life. “It’s a group of people who are also thinking about how to share the hope they have while navigating pressures like pursuing tenure, publishing papers, and getting research grants,” he explains. “We get to share our lives and support one another.”

Ultimately, Michael sees his work as a way to serve God in every moment. “God sees me all the time,” he says. “I want to be accountable to him and reflect Jesus and glorify God in all that I do.”

Because of your support, professors like Michael are not walking this journey alone. They are being equipped and connected with a global community of believers who are bringing the hope of Jesus into their universities.

Thank you for partnering in this work. Your generosity is helping shape future Christian leaders, extend Christ’s influence, and proclaim the name of Jesus in places where it is deeply needed, to the glory of God.

For Christ and the university,

Stan

The italicized name has been changed to protect privacy.

Image Credit: Unsplash/Fayette Reynolds