Calvin News

What does it look like to learn from faculty who are actively shaping their fields?

At Calvin, professors aren’t just teaching—they’re researching, publishing, presenting, and contributing to conversations happening across the globe. From local communities to international conferences, our faculty are bringing expertise, curiosity, and faith-informed perspective into the wider world.

What follows reflects the full scope of faculty scholarship from the past year. Faculty are listed alphabetically, highlighting the breadth of work happening across disciplines.

Dr. Eric Araújo​​

Associate Professor of Computer Science

How can data and modeling help us better understand both cities and classrooms?

That question is central to Dr. Eric Araújo’s recent work.

This year, Araújo’s scholarship included research using complex network analysis to explore the relationship between urban structure and crime, alongside presentations on how agent-based modeling can illuminate student dynamics in the classroom.

His work reflects the growing role of computational approaches in addressing both societal and educational questions—bringing together data, systems thinking, and human experience.

Dr. Ken Arnold

Associate Professor of Computer Science

What does it look like to write—and think—alongside artificial intelligence?

That question is central to Dr. Ken Arnold’s recent work.

Over the past year, Arnold contributed to research presentations at NAACL 2025’s Workshop on Intelligent and Interactive Writing Assistants, exploring how human–AI collaboration can enhance writing. His work examines how AI tools can be designed to promote intentionality, reflection, and substantive revision in the writing process.

In addition, Arnold has engaged broader questions around technology and purpose through his writing on the role of generative AI in serving others—highlighting how emerging tools can be used in ways that are both practical and ethically grounded.

Together, these contributions highlight the continued impact of Calvin faculty in shaping how AI can be integrated into learning and communication in thoughtful, human-centered ways.

Dr. Mark Bjelland​

Professor, Department Chair of Geology, Geography, and Environment

Dr. Mark Bjelland’s recent work reflects a thoughtful engagement with questions of housing, community, and Christian responsibility in today’s social landscape.

Over the past year, Bjelland contributed to public and academic conversations through presentations exploring the role of hospitality in an age of exclusion—examining how issues like zoning and land use shape communities and access. His work brings together geography, public policy, and faith-based perspectives to address real-world challenges.

In addition, Bjelland’s writing in Christianity Today engages these themes for a broader audience, exploring how local policy decisions can reflect deeper commitments to justice, care, and neighborliness.

Together, these contributions highlight the continued impact of Calvin faculty in connecting scholarship with lived experience—bringing thoughtful insight to conversations about community, belonging, and the common good.

Dr. Erica Boldenow

Associate Professor of Biology

How do environmental factors shape human health at the cellular level?

Dr. Erica Boldenow’s recent work reflects a strong commitment to advancing research in human health and disease at the cellular and molecular level.

Over the past year, Boldenow contributed to collaborative research examining how environmental toxicants affect immune response and pregnancy outcomes. Her work, published in the Journal of Immunotoxicology, explores how specific chemical exposures can influence cellular processes and broader health outcomes.

In addition, Boldenow presented research on how these toxicants impact immune responses in human fetal membranes and cellular models, contributing to ongoing scientific conversations around maternal and fetal health.

Together, these contributions highlight the continued impact of Calvin faculty in advancing biomedical research that deepens our understanding of health, disease, and the factors that shape human well-being.

Dr. Elizabeth Byma​

Associate Professor of Nursing

How do we prepare nursing students to respond effectively to patient needs?

That question is central to Dr. Elizabeth Byma’s recent work.

Through a published integrative review in Pain Management Nursing, Byma examines how simulation-based education can enhance student learning and improve approaches to pain management in clinical practice.

Her work reflects the continued role of Calvin faculty in advancing healthcare education through research and innovation.

Dr. Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung

Professor of Philosophy

Dr. Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung’s recent work engages a timely question: how do we live well together in a culture shaped by anger?

Through a recent presentation, DeYoung explored how communities can navigate conflict with wisdom, cultivate virtue, and remain rooted in practices that sustain meaningful relationships—bringing philosophical insight to one of today’s most pressing cultural challenges.

Dr. Gayle Ermer​

Professor, Department Chair of Engineering

How do engineering programs prepare students for both depth of knowledge and breadth of application?

That question is central to Dr. Gayle Ermer’s recent work.

This year, Ermer’s research explored how general engineering programs balance these competing demands, with findings published in the proceedings of the 2025 ASEE Annual Conference. Her work was recognized with the Multidisciplinary Division Best Paper Award, highlighting its relevance and contribution to engineering education.

Her work reflects the continued influence of Calvin faculty in shaping innovative approaches to teaching and learning in technical fields.

Katie Good

Associate Professor of Communication

How do we help students think wisely about technology in a fragmented, always-connected world?

That question is central to Dr. Katie Good’s recent work.

This year, Good’s scholarship explored the role of digital disconnection in media literacy, with research published in the Journal of Media Literacy Education. Her work also engages broader cultural questions around screens, storytelling, and attention, reflected in both academic presentations and public writing.

Recognized with the 2025 Emerging Public Intellectual Award, her work continues to shape conversations around how we teach, learn, and live well in a digital age.

Dr. Tyler Greenway​

Associate Professor of Psychology

What does it mean to flourish in a world shaped by technology, psychology, and faith?

Dr. Tyler Greenway’s recent work is centered on that question.

This year, Greenway’s scholarship included multiple presentations addressing topics such as virtue formation, religious belief, and the role of emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality in shaping human experience. His research explores how digital environments influence gratitude, awe, and broader psychological outcomes.

His published work also reflects this interdisciplinary focus, including research in the International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology and Frontiers in Psychology examining human flourishing across both real and digital contexts.

His contributions highlight the kind of forward-thinking scholarship Calvin faculty are bringing to conversations about technology, formation, and the future of human well-being.

Dr. Kathi Groenendyk

Professor and Director of Master of Arts in Media and Strategic Communication

What happens when emerging technologies like virtual reality reshape how students learn and practice communication?

That question is central to Dr. Kathi Groenendyk’s recent work.

This year, Groenendyk’s research explored the use of virtual reality role-playing to develop communication skills, earning both a Top Paper Award and the Top SPARK Award from the National Communication Association. Her work highlights the power of experiential learning to create meaningful, hands-on educational experiences.

Her contributions reflect the continued role of Calvin faculty in advancing innovative, technology-enhanced approaches to teaching and learning.

Dr. Marjorie Gunnoe

Professor of Psychology

Dr. Marjorie Gunnoe’s recent scholarship reflects sustained engagement in the study of child development, faith formation, and contemporary research debates.

Over the past year, Gunnoe contributed to published work exploring both developmental psychology and the religious and spiritual formation of children, including a chapter in Sacrum Testamentum: A Theology of the Child. Her research also engages ongoing academic conversations, with a co-authored article in the Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry examining and responding to current empirical claims related to child development.

Together, her work highlights the continued impact of Calvin faculty in advancing thoughtful, research-based perspectives on how children grow, develop, and are formed—both psychologically and spiritually.

Dr. Sam Ha

Theological Librarian | Curator of The H. Henry Meeter Center

Dr. Sam Ha’s recent work reflects a thoughtful engagement with theology, vocation, and formation in both academic and global contexts.

Over the past year, Ha contributed to a range of presentations and publications exploring themes such as discernment, prayer, and the integration of faith in academic and professional life. His work includes presentations in Seoul and Grand Rapids, as well as a lecture examining how Reformed theology shapes the reading of Scripture today.

In addition, Ha contributed a chapter to Purpose and Joy: Pursuing a Meaningful Career in Christian Higher Education (Abilene Christian University Press, 2026), exploring how individuals flourish in cross-cultural academic settings. His work also addresses how faith communities can thoughtfully engage emerging questions, including the role of technology in formation and student development.

Together, these contributions highlight the continued impact of Calvin faculty in equipping students and communities to pursue lives of purpose, discernment, and faithful engagement.

Dr. Frederick Haan

Professor of Engineering

What does it look like to approach engineering as an act of stewardship?

For Dr. Frederick Haan, that question is central to his work.

This year, Haan’s scholarship included multiple presentations in Jakarta exploring engineering, technology, and innovation through the lens of faith—emphasizing stewardship, design for shalom, and the broader calling of technical work within God’s creation.

Alongside this, his research contributions included presentations in Trondheim on high-performance computing and scientific questions related to tornado dynamics, reflecting continued engagement in advanced engineering research.

His work highlights the distinctive contribution of Calvin faculty in bringing together technical expertise and faith-driven purpose in both teaching and scholarship.

Dr. Matt Halteman​

Professor of Philosophy

What does it look like for philosophy to move beyond the classroom and into everyday life?

Dr. Matthew Halteman’s recent work offers one compelling answer.

This year, Halteman’s scholarship reached wide audiences through more than 20 presentations and ongoing podcast work, engaging topics such as ethics, justice, and advocacy through the lens of his book Hungry Beautiful Animals. His work continues to spark conversation around the intersection of faith, culture, and moral responsibility.

With newly released translations of his book in Korean and Portuguese, his work is now reaching readers across multiple global contexts.

His contributions reflect the growing role of Calvin faculty in shaping public discourse—bringing thoughtful, accessible philosophy into conversations that matter.

Dr. Rachel Hammond

Professor and Director of Master of Business Administration

How is artificial intelligence transforming the way organizations connect with people?

That question is central to Dr. Rachel Hammond’s recent work.

This year, Hammond co-edited AI in Marketing (Routledge, 2025), a volume exploring how AI is reshaping marketing practice—from strategy and analytics to customer experience. Her work brings together research and insights that help bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

Her contributions reflect the continued role of Calvin faculty in engaging emerging technologies with both depth and practical insight.

Dr. Bernardo Hargous​

Assistant Professor for the School of Business

How do we responsibly integrate AI into real-world systems—from classrooms to global supply chains?

That question is central to Dr. Bernardo Hargous’ recent work.

This year, Hargous contributed to both applied innovation and academic scholarship through his leadership in developing AI training initiatives for educators, as well as his role in reviewing research on machine learning and optimization in complex systems.

His work reflects a commitment to advancing not only new technologies, but also the practices and frameworks needed to use them effectively and responsibly.

Dr. Brian Kreisman​

Professor, Department Chair Speech Pathology and Audiology

How do we support well-being and inclusion in healthcare—especially across the lifespan?

That question is central to Dr. Brian Kreisman’s recent work.

This year, Kreisman’s scholarship included collaborative research on aging, hearing, and quality of life, as well as work focused on strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion within clinical education and practice.

Through both research and professional engagement, his work reflects the importance of addressing healthcare challenges not only at the individual level, but also across systems and communities.

Dr. Won Lee

Department Chair Religion | Director, Asian Studies Program

How is the Bible interpreted and lived out in different cultural contexts today?

For Dr. Won Lee, that question is central to his recent work.

This year, Lee’s scholarship included a sabbatical focused on contemporary interpretations of scripture in Korea, alongside multiple academic presentations in Seoul. His work explores biblical theology, the structure of the Pentateuch, and the emerging vision for a uniquely Korean approach to biblical interpretation.

He also contributed to Oxford Bibliographies, providing a scholarly resource on the figure of Balaam.

His work reflects a global perspective on biblical studies—one that considers not only the text itself, but how it is received, interpreted, and lived out across cultures.

Dr. Matt Lundberg​

Director, de Vries Institute for Global Faculty Development; Professor of Religion

How do stories shape the way we think about theology and leadership?

That question is at the heart of Dr. Matt Lundberg’s recent work.

Over the past year, Lundberg contributed to international scholarly conversations through a presentation in Germany examining how narrative structure can shape theological development and innovation. His work explores how stories—how they’re formed, told, and revised—play a role in shaping theological understanding.

In addition, Lundberg contributed to a published volume on leadership, with a chapter examining the tension between role models and idealized figures—bringing theological and interdisciplinary insight to questions of influence and formation.

Together, these contributions highlight the continued impact of Calvin faculty in bringing theological reflection into conversation with leadership, storytelling, and the challenges of contemporary faith communities.

Dr. Larry Molnar

Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Observatory Director

Dr. Larry Molnar’s recent work reflects continued engagement in advancing astronomical research and scientific discovery.

Over the past year, Molnar presented at the 247th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society, sharing work on modeling the structure of contact binary stars. His research contributes to a deeper understanding of stellar systems and the dynamics that shape them.

Together, these contributions highlight the continued impact of Calvin faculty in advancing scientific knowledge—engaging specialized research questions while contributing to broader conversations within the scientific community.

Dr. Beth Oomen

Undergraduate Program Director, Professor of Speech Pathology and Audiology

How do we prepare healthcare professionals to serve patients well—across disciplines, cultures, and contexts?

That question is central to Dr. Beth Oommen’s recent work. Over the past year, Oommen contributed to multiple research publications examining how to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion within speech pathology and audiology programs, as well as how interprofessional training can enhance collaboration among healthcare students across disciplines. Her work also explores the role of religious, spiritual, and cultural factors in shaping patient experiences and health outcomes.

In addition, Oommen contributed to professional dialogue through a presentation focused on recruitment, retention, and capacity-building within communication science and disorders programs.

Together, these contributions highlight the continued impact of Calvin faculty in advancing research and practice that supports both effective healthcare delivery and more inclusive, collaborative learning environments.

Dr. Garth Pauley​

Professor of Communication

Dr. Garth Pauley’s recent work brings communication expertise into national conversation.

Through a published letter in The New York Times, Pauley engages questions of leadership and public discourse—contributing scholarly perspective to widely shared conversations.

Dr. Jill Risner​ 

Associate Professor for the School of Business

Dr. Jill Risner’s recent work reflects thoughtful engagement with leadership and its role in shaping organizations and communities.

Over the past year, Risner contributed to public scholarship through a published book review in the Reformed Journal, examining themes of leadership, influence, and wisdom in contemporary contexts.

Through this work, she contributes to ongoing conversations about what it means to lead well—bringing critical reflection to questions of character, decision-making, and responsibility.

Dr. Derek Schuurman

Professor, Department Chair Computer Science

Dr. Derek Schuurman’s recent work reflects a sustained commitment to exploring the intersection of technology, faith, and education.

Over the past year, Schuurman has contributed extensively to both academic and public conversations, with more than 30 presentations addressing topics such as artificial intelligence, the biblical story, grief, and the future of Christian education. His work continues to engage how emerging technologies shape human experience and formation.

In addition to these presentations, Schuurman has authored numerous articles and essays, including recent publications examining virtue in the context of artificial intelligence and the possibilities for Christian higher education in a changing world.

Together, these contributions highlight the continued impact of Calvin faculty in engaging rapidly evolving technological questions with both theological depth and practical insight—helping shape how communities think about innovation, faith, and the future.

Dr. Otto Selles

Professor, World Languages

Dr. Otto Selles’ recent work reflects a unique integration of scholarship, creativity, and public engagement.

Over the past year, Selles’ sabbatical research focused on eighteenth-century French Protestantism, while his creative work spanned multiple mediums—including photography, poetry, and visual art. His photography has been featured in several exhibitions in West Michigan, and his work was included in the 40th Annual Lowell Arts Competition.

In addition, Selles published a poetry collection, Matins (Pandora Press, 2025), and participated in readings tied to its release, with one of his poems translated into French and published in an international literary journal. He also contributed to community-based art events and exhibitions, sharing his work with audiences both locally and internationally.

Together, these contributions highlight the breadth of Calvin faculty scholarship—where academic research and creative expression come together to engage both intellectual and cultural life.

Dr. Suraj Sharma

Assistant Professor for the School of Business

How do we understand human behavior—across cultures, across technologies, and in an increasingly complex world?

That question sits at the heart of Dr. Suraj Sharma’s recent work.

This year, Sharma’s scholarship included multiple presentations and publications spanning negotiation, cross-cultural dynamics, and artificial intelligence. His work has been featured at leading international conferences, including ACL 2025, where he co-authored research on AI systems designed to better capture human opinions at scale.

At the same time, his research continues to engage deeper questions around faith, ethics, and cultural intelligence—bringing together insights from business, psychology, and technology.

His work reflects the kind of interdisciplinary, forward-looking scholarship Calvin faculty are contributing to conversations shaping today’s global landscape.

Sam Smartt

Associate Professor of Communication

How do we help students think critically about the stories they encounter in media?

That question is central to Sam Smartt’s recent work.

Through a presentation at Notre Dame’s Beyond Our Screens Symposium, Smartt explored how documentary storytelling can deepen student engagement with disability representation—highlighting the power of media literacy to shape understanding and perspective.

His work reflects the continued role of Calvin faculty in preparing students to navigate and interpret the media landscape with insight and care.

Dr. David Smith

Professor of Education | Director, Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning | Coordinator, De Vries Institute for Global Faculty Development

What does it mean to educate not just for knowledge, but for joy, wonder, and formation?

That question is central to Dr. David Smith’s recent work.

This year, Smith’s scholarship included a sabbatical project exploring the educational vision of Comenius and its relevance for Christian learning today. His work emphasizes the deep connection between intellectual development and spiritual formation.

He also contributed to international academic conversations in Paris, examining how concepts like the imago Dei inform the relationship between piety and learning.

His work reflects the continued influence of Calvin faculty in reimagining education as a formative practice—one that shapes both understanding and the life of faith.

Dr. James K.A. Smith

Professor of Philosophy

What shapes the way we believe, live, and participate in culture?

That question sits at the heart of Dr. James K.A. Smith’s recent work.

This year, Smith’s scholarship included a wide range of essays and presentations engaging topics such as capitalism, secular culture, and the enduring influence of Augustinian thought. Through both academic publications and public writing, his work continues to explore how habits, practices, and cultural forces shape our lives.

With presentations delivered across multiple venues, Smith’s work connects philosophical and theological insight to the everyday questions people are asking about faith, culture, and meaning.

His contributions reflect the continued role of Calvin faculty in shaping thoughtful, accessible conversations at the intersection of faith and public life.

Dr. Debra Snyder​ & Dr. Dongye Song​

School of Business

Dr. Debra Snyder and Dr. Dongye Song’s shared research reflects a thoughtful engagement with the intersection of business, ethics, and faith-informed leadership.

Over the past year, their collaborative work has explored how personal beliefs shape organizational behavior, including a published article examining the relationship between CEO religiosity and corporate misconduct. Their research brings together insights from business, ethics, and theology to better understand how leadership values influence decision-making within organizations.

In addition, Snyder and Song contributed to academic dialogue through a conference presentation examining the relationship between faith and corporate tax practices, extending their work into applied questions of business ethics.

Together, these contributions highlight the continued impact of Calvin faculty in advancing research that connects leadership, ethics, and real-world business practices.

Dr. Peter Snyder

Professor for the School of Business

Dr. Peter Snyder’s recent work reflects a thoughtful engagement with the intersection of artificial intelligence, cultural understanding, and faith-informed scholarship.

Over the past year, Snyder contributed to a collaborative research project exploring how emerging AI technologies can support the development of Christian cultural intelligence. This work, presented at the Christian Business Faculty Association Conference, examines how digital tools can shape formation and foster deeper understanding across cultures.

In addition to his research contributions, Snyder serves as Business, Economics, and Professions Editor for the Christian Scholar’s Review, supporting and advancing scholarly dialogue across disciplines.

Dr. Jason Stansbury​

Professor for the School of Business

How do organizations operate—and how should they be shaped by ethical and theological commitments?

That question is at the center of Dr. Jason Stansbury’s recent work.

This year, Stansbury’s scholarship explored themes such as virtue, nonprofit governance, and the legal frameworks that guide organizational behavior. His work includes research published in the International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology and contributions to academic conversations on business law and ethics, including a symposium presentation at New York University.

Alongside his research, Stansbury serves as co-editor of the Journal of Religion and Business Ethics, helping to advance scholarship at the intersection of faith and economic life.

His work reflects the continued role of Calvin faculty in shaping conversations around responsible leadership, ethical organizations, and the integration of faith and business.

Dr. Ralph Stearley

Professor Emeritus, De Vries Senior Contributing Scholar of Geology, Geography, and Environment

What does it look like to explore science and faith together in meaningful ways?

For Dr. Ralph Stearley, that question shapes his work.

This year, Stearley engaged a wide range of audiences through presentations on geology, deep time, and the historical relationship between science and Christianity. His work included lectures at Andrews University, the Dice Mineralogical Museum, and a multi-session series tracing centuries of interaction between scientific discovery and Christian belief.

He also led a Calvin alumni tour through the Pacific Northwest, blending scientific exploration with community and shared learning as part of the university’s 150th anniversary.

His work reflects the continued impact of Calvin faculty in making complex scientific ideas accessible, engaging, and thoughtfully connected to broader questions of faith and understanding.

Together, these contributions highlight the continued impact of Calvin faculty in engaging complex questions at the intersection of technology, ethics, and faith—both through research and through leadership in the academic community.

Dr. Mark Taylor​

De Vries Institute Postdoctoral Fellow in Normative Business Ethics | School of Business

How do we help students think critically—and ethically—in an age shaped by artificial intelligence?

That question sits at the center of Dr. Mark Taylor’s recent work.

This year, Taylor’s scholarship explored the role of writing as a formative practice, as well as broader questions of ethics, emotional labor, and moral autonomy. His work includes a published article in the International Journal of Christianity & Education and presentations addressing both business ethics and AI in the classroom.

His contributions reflect the growing role of Calvin faculty in shaping conversations around how we learn, think, and make decisions in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Dr. Kevin Timpe​

Professor, Department Chair Philosophy

What does it mean to build communities that are truly inclusive?

That question is central to Dr. Kevin Timpe’s recent work.

This year, Timpe’s scholarship explored the intersection of disability, ethics, and philosophy through both publication and public engagement. His work includes research on disability across historical and theological contexts, as well as presentations addressing topics such as healthcare ethics and the formation of inclusive communities.

Through both academic writing and national presentations, his work reflects the continued role of Calvin faculty in advancing thoughtful conversations about care, community, and human dignity.

Dr. Renard Tubergen​

Associate Professor of Engineering

Dr. Renard Tubergen’s recent work reflects a commitment to practical innovation and environmental responsibility within engineering.

Over the past year, Tubergen was awarded a patent for a temperature-controlled exhaust stream water filter designed for coffee roasters—an innovation that addresses environmental impact within industrial processes.

This work highlights the continued impact of Calvin faculty in developing solutions that bring together technical expertise, sustainability, and real-world application.

Katherine Swart Van Hof​

Collection Development Librarian

Katherine Swart Van Hof’s recent work reflects thoughtful engagement with research practices and information literacy.

Over the past year, Van Hof contributed to scholarly conversation through a published review in Against the Grain, examining strategies for effective research in an increasingly complex information landscape.

Through this work, she contributes to ongoing dialogue about how students and scholars navigate, evaluate, and use information with care and insight.

Dr. Frans van Liere

Professor of Historical Studies | Director of Classical & Medieval Studies Program

Dr. Frans van Liere’s recent scholarship reflects sustained depth and leadership in the study of medieval theology and biblical interpretation.

Over the past year, van Liere contributed to multiple scholarly conversations through conference presentations in South Bend and Grand Rapids, alongside several published works examining medieval biblical texts and their interpretation. His research includes contributions to an Oxford University Press volume on The Reception of Philo of Alexandria, as well as a published review in Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Teaching.

In addition, van Liere served as editor of a forthcoming Brill volume, Shared Scripture—Divided Faiths, which explores the long and complex history of Jewish–Christian engagement with the Hebrew Bible. His own contribution to the volume examines themes of Christian ambivalence across centuries of interpretation.

Together, these contributions highlight the continued impact of Calvin faculty in producing rigorous, historically grounded scholarship that deepens our understanding of scripture, tradition, and the life of faith.

Dr. Jolene Vos-Camy

Professor World Languages

What can early modern literature teach us about freedom, expression, and cultural resistance?

That question is at the heart of Dr. Jolene Vos-Camy’s recent work.

This year, Vos-Camy’s scholarship focused on the writings of Charlotte Rose de Caumont de La Force, with presentations in both the U.S. and Europe examining themes of subversion, authorship, and intellectual freedom in 17th-century France. Her work also reached broader audiences through a public presentation at Detroit’s Night of Ideas.

Her contributions reflect the continued role of Calvin faculty in illuminating how literature helps us better understand both past and present cultural questions.

Dr. John Walcott​

Master of Education Program Director

Dr. John Walcott’s recent work reflects a thoughtful engagement with education, equity, and the role of storytelling in shaping learning.

Over the past year, Walcott contributed to multiple academic and public conversations through presentations exploring how narrative can deepen understanding within education, including work on using storytelling to teach social foundations. His scholarship also engages broader questions of equity and policy, examining how educational systems can support more just and flourishing communities in the face of shifting policy landscapes.

In addition, Walcott has explored the relationship between democracy and education, reflecting on the implications for Christian teaching and learning in today’s context.

Together, these contributions highlight the continued impact of Calvin faculty in bringing thoughtful, values-driven perspectives to conversations about education, community, and the common good.

Dr. Richard Whitekettle

Professor of Religion

Dr. Richard Whitekettle’s recent scholarship explores how biblical imagery shapes our understanding of human identity and experience.

Through a published article in Biblica, his work examines themes of darkness and creation in Psalm 139, offering fresh insight into how these texts were understood in ancient Israel.

Dr. Julie Yonker​

Professor of Psychology

What does it take to care for others well—especially in moments of vulnerability, uncertainty, and strain?

This question is at the heart of Dr. Julie Yonker’s recent work.

Through multiple presentations across the U.S., Yonker’s scholarship explores the role of empathy, faith, and brain science in shaping the experience of informal caregivers. Her work also draws on insights from Henri Nouwen to better understand how spiritual formation can support those who care for others.

Her contributions reflect the continued role of Calvin faculty in bringing together psychology, theology, and healthcare to support human well-being in deeply practical ways.

Dr. Gail Zandee​

Associate Professor & Community Partnership Coordinator of Nursing

How can we expand access to meaningful mental health support?

That question is central to Dr. Gail Zandee’s recent work.

Through collaborative research on online support groups for women experiencing depression and anxiety, Zandee’s work highlights the potential of virtual spaces to provide connection, education, and care—especially for those who may face barriers to traditional support.

Her contributions reflect the continued role of Calvin faculty in advancing healthcare practices that are both innovative and deeply responsive to real-world needs.