Real talk: I just got back from an excellent, busy weekend at the American Scientific Affiliation annual meeting, and I’m off to a few days beyond the reaches of the Internet. So this seems like a perfect time for the science edition of reader feedback posts we’re currently working through here at ESN. We want to make sure we’re meeting your needs. And I’d particularly love to hear if any of the experiments I’ve been attempting are working. Please consider responding to any or all of the following questions in the comment section below, or you can e-mail ESN if you prefer private communication.
- Books: Would you like more book reviews? More blog book club series? If we do more book club series, should we go more quickly through a book, or space out the posts more? Specific title suggestions for either reviews or book club are also welcome.
- History: Earlier this year, I tried to introduce more history of science, particularly focusing on Christians in the sciences through the ages. Are you interested in more history coverage like that, or do you prefer a focus on current topics?
- Interviews: Interested in interviews with ESN-connected scientists? What would you want to know: faith testimony, career journey, details of current research, perspective on integrating faith and science? Anyone in particular you’d like me to interview (no promises I can land them; if you have a connection, I’m happy to hear about it)? Would you like to be interviewed? (Scientists at all career stages and with all sorts of careers welcome; everybody has something to offer to someone.)
- Topics: What areas of science am I neglecting that you want to read more about? I know I have biases in terms of where I look for research, what kinds of research catch my attention, and what I feel competent to comment on. I don’t always know what the specifics of those biases are, so feel free to help me identify them.
- Guest contributors: Having talked to several folks at the ASA meeting who were interested in science writing, I want to make sure I’m making opportunities for others. Would you like to write a science post for ESN? I’m happy to have guest contributors for Wednesday posts, or we can find another place in the blog schedule if you prefer.
Hop into the comments below (or e-mail) to let me know what you want to read in the months ahead. One lucky responder will win a free copy of Dave and Kate Vosburg’s excellent discussion guide Jesus, Beginnings, and Science.
And speaking of science resources, don’t miss last week’s announcement about a new book coming from ESN collecting the STEAM post series, with links to related blog posts.
About the author:
Andy has worn many hats in his life. He knows this is a dreadfully clichéd notion, but since it is also literally true he uses it anyway. Among his current metaphorical hats: husband of one wife, father of two teenagers, reader of science fiction and science fact, enthusiast of contemporary symphonic music, and chief science officer. Previous metaphorical hats include: comp bio postdoc, molecular biology grad student, InterVarsity chapter president (that one came with a literal hat), music store clerk, house painter, and mosquito trapper. Among his more unique literal hats: British bobby, captain's hats (of varying levels of authenticity) of several specific vessels, a deerstalker from 221B Baker St, and a railroad engineer's cap. His monthly Science in Review is drawn from his weekly Science Corner posts -- Wednesdays, 8am (Eastern) on the Emerging Scholars Network Blog. His book Faith across the Multiverse is available from Hendrickson.
Andy: Thanks so much for the opportunity to chime in. I missed the ASA meeting and that was sad.
My own bias is of course, in line with the website (and maybe hard copy) for recruiting young believers into STEM as vocation. This continues to be an extremely needed and under-supported venture. Any contributors with hopeful ideas or experiences would be great. We are still soliciting more profile-stories from practitioners, etc. for the STEAM Project’s website. We must inspire and excite the upcoming (earlier “emerging”) generation!
My second passion is for a greater effort in marketing the link between Creation Theology and Science. Applied science for the greater good ought to be our #1 priority. This in no way excludes the more theoretical or esoteric aspects of our disciplines. My bias here is in the Earth Sciences and how their study teaches us to sustain and protect God’s life support systems as well as life in all its diversity.
It might be good to offer ESN a pre-workshop overview for the international GSS conference coming in March 2018 in Stockholm. GSS is for GEOSCIENCE AND SOCIETY SUMMIT. I can send the info poster, etc. This will be a VERY interdisciplinary gathering of scientists, government leaders, industry, NGOs, and others, including indigenous and faith communities from all nations. The object is problem definition and real action planning in cooperation for problem solving. Topics” WATER & AGRICULTURE, CLIMATE & NATURAL HAZARDS, ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES, PUBLIC HEALTH AND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT. I am partly responsible for soliciting participation from faith groups as well as serving as global Co-convener. This is one venue where Christians can take part with others in seeking wise directions for stewardship.
I’d be interested in being a guest contributor. I’ve a particular interest in Christian women in Science and would love to write something about historical or current women who fit this description.