In this episode of Practicing the Art of Faithful Presence, host David Wright is joined by neurobiologist and professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, Matt Kreitzer. David starts the conversation by asking Matt about the relationship between science and his faith. Contrary to popular belief, Matt believes that science and faith go hand in hand - learning more about the world has led him to learn more about God. His journey to becoming a scientist started with proficiency in math and a natural disposition towards science as a student. This eventually led to his career as a neurobiologist and professor. On the other hand, his faith has been present most of his life. He grew up in a family of faith and remembers considering himself as a Christian even at a young age. As he grew up, learned more and developed relationships, his faith only grew stronger. While he matured in his faith, he also started to discover a passion for science and biology. Towards the end of his undergraduate studies he began to lean heavily towards this passion and started down the path towards neurobiology. Much of his studies and research revolve around the nervous system. In his studies about the nervous system, Matt has focused on a specific cell type called the glial cell. 

Matt believes that science informs and reinforces his faith, not vice versa. While science can answer many questions that he has, it can’t answer questions that deal with purpose or meaning. Since his faith is a foundational part of his life, it is intimately interwoven with his work. His faith has led him to truly invest in relationships and goals of his students as well as his coworkers and collaborators. He hopes that the way that he approaches his work and research reflects his faith and relationship with God. The relationships he’s made is one of the most important and meaningful parts of his career. During his time at Indiana Wesleyan University, he has developed a passion to increase the accessibility of science education to young people. There are growing needs for scientists in the workforce and he had been able to receive funding and grants to pursue a passion to help students who have the same passions and interests as him. Matt considers these students to be his greatest motivation to continue the work he is doing.

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