Published on February 18, 2014 by Steve Donaldson  

Dr. Beth Anderson, professor of Chemistry at Hope College in Holland, Michigan will speak on the intersection of science and religion in Brock Forum on Thursday, March 6 at 4:00 p.m. Convocation credit is offered to students and the public is invited. In her presentation, "No Small Wonder," Dr. Anderson will describe the role of wonder in both scholastic endeavors and spiritual journeys and share some of the ways her life as a scientist blends with her religious faith. Dr. Anderson holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Pennsylvania State University and a B.S. in Chemistry from Samford University. Her research involves the formation and assembly of nano-materials.

"No Small Wonder" Abstract
What is the role of wonder, as both a noun and a verb, in our scholastic endeavors and spiritual journeys? Can the wonders observed within our research lead to worship? Can our scholarly activities be enriched by spiritual formation, wherein we consider the lilies, pray without ceasing, and gain eyes to see and ears to hear? As the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning suggests, is “every common bush afire with God”?
 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.