Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang

Guests: Dr. John Trang and Dr. Roger Stoller

Description:

Host Jude DiMeglio Trang, author of The Gift of Need, welcomes two scientists—her husband, Dr. John Trang (Pharmaceutical Scientist), and friend Dr. Roger Stoller (Material Scientist and Nuclear Engineer)—to discuss the essential roles of science and technology in meeting society’s needs. As with all of her podcasts, Jude wants to just introduce us to one more area of human need. We explore the scientific process, the importance of their respective fields (nuclear energy and pharmaceuticals), and how their Christian faith informs their work and pursuit of meaning.

We talk about:

· Roger Stoller’s work in nuclear engineering and materials science, focusing on strategies to mitigate the effects of radiation on structural materials used in nuclear energy systems (e.g., preventing embrittlement in reactor pressure vessels).

· The scientific process as a systematic method for acquiring knowledge through observation, experimentation, analysis, hypothesis testing, and iteration.

· John Trang’s work as a pharmaceutical scientist in pharmacokinetics—modeling what the body does to a drug (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination) to determine proper dosing.

· The societal fear surrounding nuclear energy versus the measurable risks of other technologies like coal and driving.

· How scientific work serves society by benefiting health (pharmaceuticals, refrigeration) and providing the energy to manufacture essential items.

· How their Christian faith provides a framework for intellectual inquiry and a motivation to conduct work with integrity, maintain good relationships, and serve others, both through their careers and in serving their communities.

· The human need for purpose and meaning, and how this is fulfilled through Roger’s second career as a Bible translation consultant in Bangladesh.

· The “mysterious”—the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and science, acknowledging that there is always more to discover and understand.

Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear how you’ve seen the “gift of need” show up in your life. Share your story in the comments or leave a review. Please follow this podcast and rate it. Subscribe to my free newsletter to get future episodes and newsletters sent right to your inbox.

Music Credit: Gabe Kubanda / Damn Plans (Instrumental) © 2021 Kubanda Music

Engineer: Ray Ingegneri, Third Street Productions, Tucson, AZ

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit judedimegliotrang1.substack.com