Christian Faith and Evolution: One Person\u27s Journey in Science and in Faith

Evolution has always proved to be controversial to many people of faith, but it has been specifically problematic to many Christians including myself. This thesis explores the history and substance of the controversy between different expressions of Christianity and evolution by providing a relatable rendition of the theory of evolution. It breaks down the contributions of Charles Darwin and explains them in a manner than can be understood by a non-biologist. It also explores the stances of certain authors such as Richard Dawkins and Michael Ruse on the matter. This thesis is an independent study comprised of input from articles, journals, and books pertaining to the ongoing crisis. The research shows that the battle between Christianity and evolution dates further back than Charles Darwin. The controversy precedes his contributions dating back as far as Nicolaus Copernicus and Galilee Galileo. Although Darwin receives most credit for the ongoing debate, it did not originate with him. This thesis also discovers that not all Christian denominations responded the same. The Catholic response, primarily a responsibility of the Vatican, had one of the earliest responses and was relatively open to the theory of evolution. The Protestants, including Anglicans and Baptists, had more diverse responses resulting in some supporting evolution while others opposed. As far as Dawkins\u27 and Ruse\u27s opinions on the relationship with evolution and Christianity, both present arguments that are rather unique. Dawkins feels that the Christian belief in God is ludicrous. Ruse argues that the two are indeed quite compatible. Overall, this thesis supports that Christian faith and evolution can coexist, and the teachings of evolution can even strengthen one\u27s faith. This project allowed for the establishment for an analogy between evolution and God\u27s role within the process. If evolution is the vehicle that propels our planet forward, then God is the G.P.S. system within the car. Although this thesis supports the coexistence of evolution and Christian faith, it also encourages Christians to find peace with evolution and like the theory explains, continue to develop and evolve one\u27s faith just like in our natural world

Thermal noise of a plano-convex mirror

We study theoretically the internal thermal noise of a mirror coated on a plano-convex substrate. The comparison with a cylindrical mirror of the same mass shows that the effect on a light beam can be reduced by a factor 10, improving the sensitivity of high-precision optical experiments such as gravitational-wave interferometers.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, RevTe

Generalized Wilson Chain for solving multichannel quantum impurity problems

The Numerical Renormalization Group is used to solve quantum impurity problems, which describe magnetic impurities in metals, nanodevices, and correlated materials within DMFT. Here we present a simple generalization of the Wilson Chain, which improves the scaling of computational cost with the number of channels/bands, bringing new problems within reach. The method is applied to calculate the t-matrix of the three-channel Kondo model at T=0, which shows universal crossovers near non-Fermi liquid critical points. A non-integrable three-impurity problem with three bands is also studied, revealing a rich phase diagram and novel screening/overscreening mechanisms.Comment: 5 pages + 5 pages supplementary materia

Measuring the electrical impedance of mouse brain tissue

We report on an experimental method to measure conductivity of cortical tissue. We use a pair of 5mm diameter Ag/AgCl electrodes in a Perspex sandwich device that can be brought to a distance of 400 microns apart. The apparatus is brought to uniform temperature before use. Electrical impedance of a sample is measured across the frequency range 20 Hz-2.0 MHz with an Agilent 4980A four-point impedance monitor in a shielded room. The equipment has been used to measure the conductivity of mature mouse brain cortex in vitro. Slices 400 microns in thickness are prepared on a vibratome. Slices are bathed in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) to keep them alive. Slices are removed from the ACSF and sections of cortical tissue approximately 2 mm times 2 mm are cut with a razor blade. The sections are photographed through a calibrated microscope to allow identification of their cross-sectional areas. Excess ACSF is removed from the sample and the sections places between the electrodes. The impedance is measured across the frequency range and electrical conductivity calculated. Results show two regions of dispersion. A low frequency region is evident below approximately 10 kHz, and a high frequency dispersion above this. Results at the higher frequencies show a good fit to the Cole-Cole model of impedance of biological tissue; this model consists of resistive and non-linear capacitive elements. Physically, these elements are likely to arise due to membrane polarization and migration of ions both intra- and extra-cellularly.http://www.iupab2014.org/assets/IUPAB/NewFolder/iupab-abstracts.pd

Christian Faith and Evolution: One Person's Journey in Science and in Faith;

Evolution has always proved to be controversial to many people of faith, but it has been specifically problematic to many Christians including myself. This thesis explores the history and substance of the controversy between different expressions of Christianity and evolution by providing a relatable rendition of the theory of evolution. It breaks down the contributions of Charles Darwin and explains them in a manner than can be understood by a non-biologist. It also explores the stances of certain authors such as Richard Dawkins and Michael Ruse on the matter. This thesis is an independent study comprised of input from articles, journals, and books pertaining to the ongoing crisis. The research shows that the battle between Christianity and evolution dates further back than Charles Darwin. The controversy precedes his contributions dating back as far as Nicolaus Copernicus and Galilee Galileo. Although Darwin receives most credit for the ongoing debate, it did not originate with him. This thesis also discovers that not all Christian denominations responded the same. The Catholic response, primarily a responsibility of the Vatican, had one of the earliest responses and was relatively open to the theory of evolution. The Protestants, including Anglicans and Baptists, had more diverse responses resulting in some supporting evolution while others opposed. As far as Dawkins’ and Ruse’s opinions on the relationship with evolution and Christianity, both present arguments that are rather unique. Dawkins feels that the Christian belief in God is ludicrous. Ruse argues that the two are indeed quite compatible. Overall, this thesis supports that Christian faith and evolution can coexist, and the teachings of evolution can even strengthen one’s faith. This project allowed for the establishment for an analogy between evolution and God’s role within the process. If evolution is the vehicle that propels our planet forward, then God is the G.P.S. system within the car. Although this thesis supports the coexistence of evolution and Christian faith, it also encourages Christians to find peace with evolution and like the theory explains, continue to develop and evolve one’s faith just like in our natural world