My heart rate quickened, and my stomach tightened as I stepped off the plane. I got my bag from baggage claim, and as I approached ground transportation, my palms were noticeably clammy. When traveling alone, I get nervous about having to take a taxi or Uber by myself in a new and unfamiliar city. I […]
For many years, on the first day of the engineering class I teach, I mention that I am a follower of Jesus. I relate that I started this journey at the age of 18 (similar to the age of many of my students). In my email signature footer, I include the following: A Bible verse. […]
In 2011, Eric Yuan founded Zoom Video Communications, Inc. Less than a decade later, the word “Zoom” took on a new meaning in numerous cultures. As the COVID-19 pandemic devastated societies, many looked to Zoom to hold healthcare appointments, business meetings, and classes. Through this communication technology, some even celebrated birthdays, baby showers, and family […]
As Christians, we are told, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (I Peter 3:15) I’m learning that I need to be prepared to give a question as well. Seeking to be a witness for Jesus on campus, in my […]
This past year I’ve been reminded that Christ is the vine, and I am just a branch. I can do nothing apart from him. So, as I make it my focus to be a Christian professor, God is teaching me that only if I stay connected to him—really hidden in him—will I be able to […]
“Eliab” (not his real name) was older, taller, tougher, gruffer, and grizzlier than any student in my “Introduction to Ethics” class before or since. His silent, steely-eyed stare from the middle of the front row, a few feet from me, felt like a wall. While I knew what God said when Samuel thought David’s brother […]
Some years ago, I was laser-focused on two things: raising my young children and getting promoted to the next rung on the academic ladder. Although I was a believer, I had never considered the university as my mission field. Fortunately, God pulled back the curtain and let me see what He was doing, despite me. […]
For several years, I have taken a step of faith and started the first day of teaching by identifying as a Christian. This is for my own accountability since it makes me keenly aware that my behavior is linked to my identity as a follower of Jesus. I explain to them that because I follow Jesus, […]
Not long ago, I was at a research conference with students and faculty members from the region. At a mentoring breakfast, I sat with several students and a “more seasoned” faculty member from another institution. A student asked the two of us to share about our academic training and how we ended up in academia.The […]
Last summer, a Christian colleague encouraged me to share my story of trusting Jesus Christ on MeetTheProf.com. MeetTheProf is a website for Christian professors to write about their faith journeys and other information about themselves, making it easy to share the link with their students and colleagues. I liked the idea of having my profile […]
