The Science & Faith Seminar exists to provide a free and open forum for exploring the rich intersection of scientific inquiry and the Christian faith. Through engaging presentations by experts across diverse disciplines, we aim to challenge assumptions, spark curiosity, and foster meaningful dialogue. Our mission is to help students and the broader community see that science is not a threat to faith but a gift from God, given to deepen our understanding of His creation and draw us closer to Him.
Spring 2026 Seminar Schedule
January 22
Speaker: Dr. Steve Armstrong, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, LeTourneau University.
Title: Faith in the Future: How God Led LeTourneau University into the Digital Age.
Abstract: From punch cards to personal computers, the story of technological adoption at LeTourneau University is more than a tale of innovation — it's a testimony of divine orchestration. In this presentation, we’ll explore the pivotal years from 1979 to 2013, when the University transitioned into a digitally equipped institution under the visionary leadership of Dr. Richard LeTourneau, and others through the years. Through historical milestones and personal reflections, we’ll trace how God raised up specific leaders to fulfill His purposes, guiding the university into the digital age not merely for progress, but for Kingdom impact. This is a story of faith, foresight, and the fingerprints of God on a campus committed to excellence in Christ.
February 19
Speaker: TBD.
Title: TBD.
Abstract: TBD.
March 5
Speakers: Dr. Edward Hamilton (Professor of Physics, LeTourneau University) and Dr. Jim Taylor (Director of Fine Arts and Professor of Music, LeTourneau University).
Title: Coming soon.
Abstract: Coming soon.
April 9
Speaker: TBD.
Title: TBD.
Abstract: TDB.
LeTourneau University's science & faith seminars are hosted by the Department of Natural Sciences. All sessions are free of charge, open to the public, and many are excellent for homeschoolers.
Unless otherwise posted, seminars are held from 11:00 to 11:50 a.m. in Glaske C101 (Berry Auditorium) on the LeTourneau University campus in Longview, Texas. Lunch with the speaker follows, in the Joyce Room of the Corner Cafe.
Any questions or comments regarding the seminar schedule may be directed to Scott Morris at ScottMorris@letu.edu or AmyStevenson@letu.edu or call the School of Arts and Sciences at 903.233.3310.
Opinions expressed by seminar speakers are their own and should not be taken as official positions of LeTourneau University.
Science Seminar Archives
Fall 2025
Fall 2025 Seminar Schedule
August 28
Speaker: Dr. Edward Hamilton, Professor of Physics, LeTourneau University.
Title: Royal Beauty Bright: More Theories about the Star of Bethlehem.
Abstract: Last year, my talk looked at literary and artistic evidence for how early Christians understood the Bethlehem Star from Matthew's Nativity narrative -- including my own hypothesis of a hybrid model for understanding how the star might have appeared: the combination of a notable conjunction of planets (obscure to all by the Magi) located close to a bright and completely new star. After a short recap, we'll look in more detail at several proposals for the planetary conjunction event, as well as speculate about various physical explanations for a bright star that could "go before" the Magi and lead them to a specific location. Along the way we'll learn about cometary outbursts, transient lunar phenomena, mini-moons, quasi-moons, the Palermo technical impact hazard scale for near-earth objects, mysterious interstellar interlopers that probably aren't alien spacecraft come to annihilate us all, and the answer to the question, "Hey, just how many palaces did King Herod own, anyway?!"
September 4
Speaker: Dr. Gregg Davidson, Professor of Geology and Geological Engineering, University of Mississippi.
Title: Biblical Inerrancy: A Scientist's View.
Abstract: The doctrine of biblical inerrancy says the Bible is true in all it intends to affirm. So when the Bible intersects with nature (or science), does it intend to instruct on the characteristics of nature or simply tap common understanding of nature at the time of writing to illustrate the intended message? Is there any way of determining which is true? In this seminar, we will learn some new terminology relevant to biblical inerrancy and walk through a systematic methodology for answering the question of what the Bible intends to teach. Examples will touch on the structure of the cosmos, the function of the heart, the life cycle of seeds, and the opening chapters of Genesis.
September 4 Special Event: 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Speer Chapel
Speaker: Dr. Gregg Davidson, Professor of Geology and Geological Engineering, University of Mississippi.
Title: Human Origins - Scientific and Scriptural Perspectives.
Abstract: Have you ever wondered how to reconcile scientific theories with theological perspectives on Genesis 1? Join Dr. Davidson for a thought-provoking seminar examining the intersection of science and faith. This engaging talk will address key questions and offer insights into navigating complex ideas with clarity and curiosity. All students and faculty are invited to attend!
October 2
Speaker: Dr. Steven Ball's (Professor of Physics, LeTourneau University) and Mr. Richard Miller's (Adjunct Professor of Physics, LeTourneau University) astronomy research group.
Title: Dark Sky Observatory 2025 and the Inner Workings of Stars.
Abstract: We will present on the activities and results of the Dark Sky Observatory research group of late Summer 2025 with Mr. Miller, and give an overview of the physics of stars, presented in a series of lectures by Dr. Ball. We will also share on the faith impact of these activities and lectures, affirming the claim of Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
November 6
Speaker: Mr. John Tixier, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology, LeTourneau University.
Title: Can You Count to Three? An examination of the Passion Week timing.
Abstract: Jesus said “…But no sign will be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Mt 12:39-40). Traditionally we recognize Jesus’ crucifixion and death on Good Friday and celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday, less than 2 full days later and spanning only 2 nights. Was Jesus just using an idiom (figure of speech)? Did they count time differently in Jesus’ day? Or are the words the Bible records Jesus predicting meant to be understood literally? And if the latter, why doesn’t it add up? Maybe we’re not counting correctly! Since God created math and time, let’s take a detailed look in this seminar at what the Bible says and see if we can count to three.
Spring 2025
Spring 2025 Seminar Schedule
January
16 Medical Innovations that Solve Global Problems
Sonia Soso Saenz, Interim Asc. Dir. Global Health Fellows Program, Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technology
Rice University | Houston, TX
(video)
23 Physics, Faith, and MIracles in Graduate School
Steve Ball, Department of Chemistry and Physics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
30 PFAS, the "forever chemicals"
Bill Peery
SPL Lab | Kilgore, TX
(video)
February
6 What are the Digital Humanities? - Writing and curation in a Digital Age
Aaron Brown, Writing Center Director
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
(video)
13 Summer Research Experiences and how to have yours
Sean Magallan and Hannah Newall, Department of Chemistry and Physics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
20 Dystopias of ease: Science Fiction and the Search for Effortlessness
Randall Compton, Department of English
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
Background stories to be read prior to the seminar
Pay for the Printer and The Feeling of Power
(video)
March
6 Use of Physiology to Address Environmental and Conservation Related Questions
Ryan Shartau, Department of Biology
University of Texas - Tyler | Tyler, TX
(video)
20 Hungry, Humble, and Smart
Luis Aguilar, CEO
Houston Area Safety Council | Houston, TX
(video)
27 A Comparative Study of Timing-Based CAN Intrustion Detection System
Deborah Blevins, Department of Mathematics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
(video)
April
3 UNC-45B chaperone controls myosin gene expression by modulating its transcription factor, GATA-4
Odunuga Odutayo, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Stephen F. Austin University | Nacogdoches, TX
(video)
10 From Supersonic to Space: Optimization of Amateur Rockets for Ultra-High Altitude Flight
LeTourneau University Space Program (LetSpace)
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
17 From Plants to Microbes: Next Generation Biosynthetic Pathways for Anticancer Alkaloids
Vonny Salim, Department of Biological Sciences
Louisiana State University - Shreveport | Shreveport, LA
(video)
24 The Pivotal Role of Communicating Science in the Christian Polytechnic University
Scott Dyer
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
(video)
May
1 How Mint Innovation's world-first e-waste biotechnology transforms waste into value
Chris York, Vice President of Business Development
Mint Bio | Wellington, Auckland
(video)
Fall 2024
Fall 2024 Seminar Schedule
August
29 An Ultrafast Look at the Use of High Magnetic Field Spectroscopy to Study Insulators and Metal Phase Transitions
David Hilton, Department of Physics
Baylor University | Waco, TX
(video)
September
5 Observational Astronomy vs. Wasps, Quiches and Joe Davis Rd
Natalie Alvarado, William Boersma, Natalie Hoeschle, Department of Chemistry and Physics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
(audio) (image file pdf)
19 Texas and the Global Energy Transition: How commodity markets, policy, and natural disasters have shaped energy production and distribution in the LoneStar State.
Trevor Safko, ERCOT Policy Analyst
Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) | Austin, TX
26 Rheological Footprinting with Drop Impact
Pack Min, School of Engineering and Computer Science
Baylor University | Waco, TX
October
10 Chemistries of Plastic Recycling
David Silvensky, Manager, Olefins and Utillities Development
Eastman Chemical | Longview, TX
17 Quaternary Ammonium Compounds and New Analytical Testing Techniques in Wastewater
Tracey Varvel and Bill Peery, Analytical Chemists
SPL Lab | Kilgore, TX
24 A Comparative Analysis of Forefoot Stiffness Between the 3D Printed Macy Prosthetic Foot and the Flexible Keel Foot
Sarah Schlimme, Prosthetics and Orthotics
University of Texas Southwest | Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (video)
31 The Trinity River, Texas: Its Historical Management and Relationship in the Assessment of Consumer Product Chemicals
Scott Dyer, Department of Biology
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
Nov
14 Elastic Synergy: Bridging Innovation and Industry for High-Performance Elastomers
Henry Martinez, Research Scientist
Eastman Chemical | Longview, TX (video)
21 Virtual Reality and Advanced Manufacturing
Matthew Rissler, Advanced Manufacturing Program
Harrisburg University | Harrisburg, PA (video)
Dec
5 Nanomaterials from Lab to Industry
Wonbong Choi, College of Engineering
University of North Texas | Denton, TX
Spring 2024
Spring 2024 Seminar Schedule
January
11 Following the Bethlehem Star: Early Christian Views on Astronomy
Edward Hamilton, Department of Chemistry & Physics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
18 Plugging a hole in the bottom of the sea: The Whole of Government Response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Mark Moland, Associate Dean, College of Education, Arts & Sciences
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
February
1 The Biology of Weight Gain and Loss: Secrets for Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight
Fred Baliraine, Department of Biology
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
8 The Importance of Data Clustering Stability
Ezekiel Cochran, Department of Mathematics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
15 Diving into Solar Physics
Josiah Baker, Department of Chemistry & Physics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
22 Dark matter: Researching the Unknown
Phoenix Swiacki, Department of Electrical Engineering
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
29 Aerobiology: what are the common Fungal inhabitants here on Campus
Josh McLoud, Department of Biology
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
March
7 Ruthenium Dinuclear Catalysts for Water Oxidation and Characterizing the Physical Properties of Self-Assembled Monolayers
Garrett Hidalgo and Kathryn Fore, Department of Chemistry and Physics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
21 Teaching math and science in developing countries
Scott Eberle, Department of Mathematics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
28 Explosions, Lasers, and Computers: Understanding Chemical Kinetics
Clayton Mulvihill, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Baylor University | Waco, TX
April
4 Wormholes and Warp Drives
Gerald Cleaver, Department of Physics
Baylor University | Waco, TX
11 The Day the Sun Disappeared: April 8 Solar Eclipse Overview
Richard Miller, Department of Chemistry & Physics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
18 Faith, Physics, and Miracles in Graduate School
Steven Ball, Department of Chemistry & Physics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
25 TBA
Fall 2023
August
24 Aircraft Flight Dynamics Modeling Using Machine Learning (video)
Andrew Davis
School of Engineering and Engineering Technology | LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
31 How you can use your science or engineering degree in the US Peace Corps (video)
Don Holly, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
US Peace Corps | Palestine, TX
September
14 Quantum Computations: Promises and Perils (video)
Edward Hamilton
Department of Chemistry and Physics | LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
21 History of Space Exploration (video)
Nelson Bates
Historian Astronomer| Gregg County Historical Museum | Longview, TX
28 Whirling Dervishes in the Night Sky (video)
Kurtis A. Williams
Department of Physics and Astronomy | Texas A&M University-Commerce | Commerce, TX
October
5 The East Texas Medical School (video)
Michelle Crum
UT Tyler School of Medicine | Tyler, TX
12 Taxi Cab Geometry (video)
Steve Armstrong
Department of Mathematics | LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
19 Space to LeTourneau, can you hear me now? (video)
James Allen Morrison
RF Communication Engineer | NASA - Johnson Space Center | Houston, TX
26 Wormholes and warp drives (video)
Gerald Cleaver
Department of Physics | Baylor University | Waco, TX
November
2 Engineering meets Operation (video)
Allan Worcester
Mission Control Flight Controller | NASA - Johnson Space Center | Houston, TX
9 Breaking good, when a chemist turns to the right side of the law - could it happen to you? (video)
Benjamin Penticoff
General Counsel | Milliman, Inc. | Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
16 Environmental Science, Climate, and Politics (video)
Scott Dyer
Department of Biology | LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
30 Aerobiology: what are the common Fungal inhabitants here on Campus (video)
Josh McLoud
Department of Biology | LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
Spring 2023
January
12 Developing Efficient Semiconductor Lasers for Infrared Sensing and Biomedical Applications (video)
Linda Olafsen, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Baylor University | Waco, TX
19 Nonlinear Effects in High Power Fiber Amplifiers (video)
Jonathan Hu, School of Engineering and Computer Science (video)
Baylor University | Waco, TX
February
2 History of Science (video)
Thomas Whittaker, Department of History and Political Science
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
9 Heterogeneously Integrated nano-Photonic Materials and Devices: from fundamental Sciences to Emerging Application (video)
Alan X. Wang, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Baylor University | Waco, TX
16 Infinite Dimensional Vector Spaces: a little Introduction to a very big subject (video)
Corey Krause, Department of Mathematics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
23 Developing Virus like Particles as Platforms for Nanomaterial Construction (video)
Dustin Patterson, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
University of Texas at Tyler | Tyler, TX
March
2 Kilonova and Stellar Nucleosynthesis (video)
Josiah Baker, Department of Chemistry and Physics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
9 Waste Biomass to Products: A Chemical Engineering Journey (video)
Joan Lynam, Department of Chemical Engineering
Louisiana Tech University | Ruston, LA
23 Phase Transitions in Metals (video)
David Hilton, Department of Physics
Baylor University | Waco, TX
30 Chemical Discoveries that Changed the World (video)
Scott Morris, Department of Chemistry
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
April
6 Environmental Impact of Our Food Choices (video)
Stephen Sturdivant, Sustainable Materials Management
Environmental Protection Agency | Region 6
13 Through the Kaleidoscope: A Dynamic, Panchromatic Look at Supermassive Black Holes (video)
Krista Smith, Department of Physics
Southern Methodist University | Dallas, TX
20 Nonmetal Batteries Using Ammonium Ions
Henry Horist, Department of Chemistry
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
27 Extraterrestrial Intellectual Property - who owns the moon? (video)
Gary DeBoer, Department of Chemistry and Physics
LeTourneau University | Longview, TX
