Riverside, Calif., April, 2002 -- Riverside, California—Science Consortium of California Christian Universities (SCCCU) held its first discussion that included both faculty and students, featuring the theme, "What Does it Mean to be Human?" on April 11. The event was hosted by La Sierra University, sponsored and attended by SCCCU member schools: Azusa Pacific University, Vanguard University, Biola University, California Baptist University, Fresno Pacific University and La Sierra University.

Beginning with registration and dinner in the Cactus Room, about 80 science consortium members mingled during and after dinner. The panelists joined together at the front of the room to make their 10-minute presentations discussing what it means to be human.

The panel consisted of eight SCCCU member faculty and staff, with presentation topics ranging from the anthropic principle, genomics and cloning, space physiology, chemical definition of life, and the role of nature vs. nurture and how each topic demonstrates what it means to be human.

On space physiology, Leslie Wickman, PhD, of Azusa Pacific University, presented the facts of what happens to humans in space, and how the special conditions of space flight (hot, cold, isolation gravity, etc.) produce effects on the space traveler. Space Adaptation Syndrome causes nausea when astronauts are adjusting to gravity, an upward fluid shift (from absence of gravity) which can lead to side effects such as dehydration. Other possible side effects are cardiovascular deconditioning, even heart-size reduction and general muscular atrophy.

Gayle Brosnan-Watters, PhD, Vanguard University, presented on nature vs. nurture, saying that all addicts release dopamine. Physical addictions (such as alcohol, sex and food addictions) are also behaviors and thus can be changed, but biological ones cannot. And while there’s speculation that homosexuality may have a biological component, the behavior or expression is a choice (as in alcoholism).

Discussing societal laws, Jeff Dupee, PhD, La Sierra University, stated that laws have evolved through custom and practice and are in place to protect persons and property.There are many side issues, such as human rights and natural rights, but his theory for later discourse was "the law in the future will follow the trail of science." Whoever wins scientific debates will determine how the law dictates what it is to be human, says Dupee.

After the presentations, participants separated for table discussion groups to focus on the ideas presented. Each group provided their concluding thoughts on presentation topics. Many groups had ultimately the same response as summed up by APU student Paul Seawright, "We didn’t come to any conclusions but had a healthy debate."

Faculty members of the consortium hope these discourses will continue and grow. Students also enjoyed the chance to network.

Carmen Miller, biology freshman from Vanguard, thought it was "fun to discuss," adding, "I like the short spurts (of presentation)."

Kirstin Smith, sophomore biology student at APU, didn’t think she was going to like it, but "found it rather enjoyable because I found a lot of the presentations relevant, interesting and understandable."

While Paul Seawright, APU junior biochemistry major, also enjoyed the event he hopes for more discussion time, adding, "It would’ve been great if we could’ve focused on two to three issues."

The goal of the consortium is to have the area Christian universities (most within driving distance) be able to network on a regular basis; that means getting students and faculty talking, having more research opportunities and options for faculty, and increased education effectiveness for students.

SCCCU member schools are collaborating to allow students the advantage of taking specialty courses not offered at their own university (but offered at a nearby member school) and be able to pay and register at their home institution. They’re also working toward starting a future SCCCU-sponsored natural sciences major.

"One of the things I noticed is they (students) started talking about similar interests and career goals. They seemed to hit it off very quickly," said Lester Eddington, biology professor and assistant provost at Azusa Pacific. He added it could be because they’re all Christian students, also noting it was a very different spirit than often occurs at sports events. "When they function at this level there seems to be a lot of compatibility, much different than going to a basketball game."

The SCCCU also hopes to give students and faculty a way to continue networking and a place to publish their research. This touched into reality with the creation of an online journal, Student Online Academic Research (SOAR), headed by three consortium members: two faculty and one student. It's also a tool for on-line forums, scholarly debate, and information exchange.

The SCCCU normally meets twice yearly, in the spring and in the fall.

For more info visit: http://sunfive.fresno.edu/courses/soar/

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Story & photos by Kandi White