Research at Andrews

The University is not just a place where knowledge is disseminated from professor to student. Rather, it is where inquisitive minds seek out new knowledge and better understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit, and where this knowledge may be applied for the benefit of others. At Andrews University, research and creative scholarship is core to our academic life. Faculty and students work together to ask questions, seek answers, and apply what they learn. The following pages present a brief sampling of some of the ongoing research and creative scholarship projects at Andrews.

Psychologist Herb Helm and sociologist Duane McBride explore the relationship between the Adventist subculture and risk behavior among students. They are discovering factors that influence risk behaviors among youth, and what may increase the probability they will make smart life choices.

The linguistic research of English professor Julia Kim explores the ramifications of English being the global language of communication. What she discovers may transform the way English is taught to second-language learners.

Care for humanity as well as the basic rights and freedoms that should be available to all are of deep concern to faculty researchers. Research and service combine in the work of physical therapist Lori Walton, who uses her research to make a difference in the lives of the disabled and vulnerable in Bangladesh. Nicholas Miller, associate professor of church history, shows that First Amendment principle of separation of church and state was inspired by a long history of Protestant Christian thought. Understanding that the First Amendment has roots in Christian theology is important for current discussions regarding the proper relationship between church and government.

The research of biologist Peter Lyons may occur on the microscopic level, but the implications of his genetic research extend beyond the fish tank. Using zebrafish, he studies the effects of modified carboxypeptidases, which can help us understand how these enzymes function in humans.

The creative scholarship of Greg Constantine, emeritus professor of art, challenges us to rethink the meaning and purpose of art. His “artistic licenses” humorously create art out of the sayings of famous artists themselves.

Political scientist Marcella Myers travelled to Germany as a Fulbright Scholar. There she learned firsthand the challenges of the European monetary crisis to the identity of the European Union, which provides insight for her study on the social impact of economic inequality.

As shown in these pages, the research and creative scholarship done at Andrews University engages faculty and students to seek out a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit. The process of asking questions, seeking answers, and applying what we learn has transformative power to enhance our teaching and enable us to better serve the world. Please visit us at andrews.edu/research to learn more about research at Andrews.

Sincerely,

Gary W. Burdick
Associate Dean for Research, School of Graduate Studies & Research