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 the hope that you will find them engaging and encouraging.
CSCA member of the week: Rachel S. Pryce, PhD Candidate at the Université de Montréal.
1. Why did you choose your scientific discipline?
When I was a kid, I always loved problem-solving. Originally, this led to my favourite subject being math. As I got further into math, I realized that I preferred problems that had clear-cut applications. I still enjoyed math, but I wasn’t passionate about it. Instead, I veered towards biochemistry for my undergraduate program. There, my absolute favourite courses were analytical chemistry and biochemistry. I loved the statistics and methodology of analytical chemistry and the applications of biochemistry, so I looked for graduate research opportunities that did a bit of both. Bioanalytical chemistry, specifically mass spectrometry, just sort of seemed natural, and so far, I’m loving it.
2. What is one of your favourite Bible verses and why?
Romans 1:16. When I was a teenager, that verse just always stuck with me: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel.” I suppose it was a great reminder that no matter what pressures I was facing, my faith was nothing to be ashamed of. Instead, I believed in a God who uses His power to bring salvation to everyone who believes.
3. Which Canadian city or landscape do you love exploring and why?
I love exploring every part of Canada, and I relish every opportunity to see more of the country. If I had to pick one category, I’d say my favourite exploring is always backcountry camping, though I’ve mostly only done Algonquin and Frontenac provincial parks so far.