While secular higher education institutions provide great science education, Azusa Pacific University’s faith integration aspect into all fields of study adds a deeper level of meaning to science for students. Elijah Roth, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry, believes that authentic faith integration can help students to flourish in the classroom and beyond.
Roth knew that God was calling him to teach in some capacity from a young age. “In sixth grade, I taught first graders how to play chess, and I immediately fell in love with teaching,” he said. “In high school, I had to decide whether I wanted to teach from the pulpit or in the classroom.” Still unsure which career path he wanted to pursue long term, Roth majored in chemistry and minored in religious studies with an emphasis in Hebrew at Fresno Pacific University. After an influential conversation with his Hebrew professor, Roth decided to follow through with his childhood dream of becoming a teacher in the classroom.
However, Roth found a way to combine both his passions at APU. “I came here to do both chemistry and ministry,” he said. “As a professor, I can let faith flow into all aspects of my job. Just the other day I told my students about how my favorite Bible verse related to our discussion on quantum mechanics.” Roth has a genuine passion for showing his students the beauty of the world through the lens of creation.
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