For the past 50 years, the Canadian Scientific and Christian Affiliation has facilitated discussions about science and Christian faith in Canada. As part of our 50th-anniversary celebrations, we asked 50 CSCA members to comment on their personal connections to science, scripture, and Canadian scenery. We will share these contributions throughout 2023 in hope that you will find them engaging and encouraging.
CSCA member of the week: Allan Ronald, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Manitoba
1. Why did you choose your scientific discipline?
I did not do well in the US boards for microbiology and infectious diseases after graduating from Manitoba in 1961. I went to Baltimore, then Lahore in Pakistan and back to Seattle to acquire these skills and brought them back to Winnipeg—training 78 physicians or pediatricians over the next 50 years. About 10 million individuals die of infection each year globally (before COVID), so it’s important to have skilled expertise in microbiology and infections around the world.
2. What is one of your favourite Bible verses and why?
“For it is by God’s grace you have been saved, through faith expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus-God’s gift to all, created through Christ to be His workmanship.”
—Ephesians 2:6-10
3. Which Canadian city or landscape do you love exploring and why?
Mostly the Lake of the Woods.