E/C: Credentials and Experience

[ninewands]

(But I did work for a small circus when I was younger. Stagehand and cage-boy. There are few more skilled than I at shoveling lion crap.
If you are skilled at shoveling ANY kind of sh^H^Hcrap you are NOT completely unqualified to post here! :rolling:

[cwb]

BSc (Physics)
MSc (Medical Physics)
(both at QUT, Australia)

Currently employed as a radiation oncology physicist.

[rthearle]

Since the topic of credentials has come up recently, I figured I'd start a topic to allow the participants of this forum to provide their qualifications, however meager they might be.

Does reading talk.origins for 20 years count? It's much more relevant than a Fudd in Software engineering, and probably more relevant that a couple of OU courses.

Oh, and I'm an MTG PTer and a lapsed go 7kyu.

Roy

[Craigart14]

[quote]Originally posted by Tim Thompson:
That's true but doesn't John Morris have a Phd in geology? And John Woodmorappe? and Duane Gish has a Phd in biochemistry. Which makes their arguments seem credible. Especially when they are arguments concerning their field. Even if they haven't done any work in it for 20 years....

I think it's possible to get a degree without acepting anything that you have learned. Jonathan Wells has a doctorate in biology, but has stated in many places that he got it so he could "do battle with the Darwinists." In other words, he reached his "scientific" conclusions before studying science.

As for me, I have three graduate degrees, including a doctorate, from LSU in literature and writing. I'm no expert in science or evolution, but I can understand just about anything I read and have some expertise in rhetoric, logic, and critical thinking. I'm primarily interested in the literary development and techniques of "sacred" texts and in comparative study of those texts. (I teach World Lit, among other things, to fundamentalist students in the Bible belt. For many of them, my classroom is the first and only time they hear any factual info about the Bible.) I have learned a lot from the experts in many fields that post here, but mostly I'm very grateful for the bibliographical info. Been reading a lot since I joined this board.

Craig

[Per Ahlberg]

BA (hon:s) in Zoology, University of Cambridge 1985. (Believe it or not, Cambridge always gives "arts" degrees, even for the sciences. Some kind of historical quirk.)

PhD in Zoology, University of Cambridge 1989. (Title: "The anatomy and phylogeny of porolepiform fishes, with special refeence to Glyptolepis". Supervisor: Jenny Clack. Examiners: Ken Joysey, Colin Patterson.)

1989-94: Departmental Lecturer in Zoology, University of Oxford.

1994-2003: Researcher, Department of Palaeontology, The Natural History Museum, London.

2003-present: Professor of Evolutionary Organismal Biology, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Sweden.

Recipient of the Bicentenary Medal of the Linnean Society of London, and the Scientific Medal of the Zoological Society of London, both 2002.

For my sins, I am currently supervising Martin B.

[mh8782]

I'm halfway through a PhD right now in Hydrological modelling and flooding.

I've also got a MEng (1st) in Civil Engineering (University of Bristol), where I spent a year at a French Grande Ecole (INSA- Lyon) I've got 4 A-levels (Maths, physics, chemistry, biology) and most of my interest in evolution comes from picking up Dawkins in my mid-teens. I read quite a lot, and I'm just getting into philosophy (my formal education didn't cover much of it).

[judanne]

Recent (2004) 40-something grad B.Sc. (Hons.) in Environmental Science and Anthropology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario. Also Environmental Technology (3 yr diploma) Durham College of AA&T (1999). Consequently lots of evolutionary biology, human evolution & chemistry. Strong interest in aqueous geochemistry (or anything to do with water...), microbiology and human behaviour/ interaction with the environment

I like to paint (watercolour & oil), am an avid gardener and (formerly single) mother of two fantastic young adults. I write well when I'm not inclined to leave out pronouns, conjunctions and other words to make a quick and dirty point.

Currently manage the Flow Cytometry and Confocal Microscopy facility
My husband is confocal microscopy manager for prominent optical instrument manufacturer here in US

We recently moved to North Carolina. No work visa yet, but I volunteer as a science educator at a local science & cultural education centre. I hope to be employed there in the near future. Formerly employed in specialty chemical gas industry. Yuk. I have done some contract consulting work related to water conservation.

Life-long atheist, fairly outspoken and articulate smart-ass and irreverent asker of uncomfortable questions. This, more so than my lowly undergraduate degree, qualifies me to post comments about the silly ideas and antics of creationists. I always hoped creationism was a disease that would confine itself to its birthplace. Unfortunately it has different epidemiological plans and the leader of the Canadian "conservative alliance" party is now one of them. STOP THE CONTAGION! :wave:

[Richard Forrest]

Very mixed.

BA in Architecture
Diploma in Architecture
RIBA Pt III
City and Guilds in System Analysis
MA in Management

Currently studying part-time for PhD in vertebrate palaeontology, subject 'The postcranial anatomy of plesiosaurs'.

Not to mention Grade 8 Music (Oboe), bringing up seven children, writing three novels....

Richard Forrest

[goozlefotz]

My interest in religion is not to practice it, but to understand why it is such an important part of the human experience. My education is in science, but I am retired now and have time to muse about what makes humans tick.

[Jobar]

Though I'm not one of the big guns in E/C, I do sometimes add my two bits- and I was, some time back, a mod here.

BS Applied Physics, unofficial minor in philosophy, Ga. Tech, 1977.

I taught high school biology, chemistry and physics for one year, and was fired not long after the headmaster of the small private school found out I was an atheist.

I'm very well-read in a broad variety of subjects, and have every single issue of Scientific American since 1981- and I've read 'em all.

[Claudia]

Graduated from Ecole Polytechnique then Saint-Etienne School of Mines (it will probably only speak to French people ;)) -> basic training Maths + some education in Geology
PhD in Geostatistics, and working as researcher/teacher in Paris School of Mines
As geostatistics is quite a confidential area, let us say that my work is mostly stochastic modelling of earth (mines, petroleum reservoirs, pollution...) and we try to derive predictions from this modelling, associated to a lot of warnings (model is not reality...).

Which makes me howl when I see arguments based on extremely low probability of evolution...

[wildlifer]

Let's see, in a nut shell?

At 13 I started working weekends and summers in construction. Either helping lay ceramic tile with my father, or roofing with my grandfather, or painting for a paint contractor.
My last finished grade was the 9th, I quit the 10th grade - twice. The final time when I was 16. I had found a job washing dishes and busing tables, and decided I was learning more there, than West High (Anchorage AK) could teach me. At 17 I joined the US Army (1976), went through basic at Ft Knox, and AIT at Ft Sam Houston - I was a medic.
But, it seems the Army wasn't a good fit for this 17-year-old and by late 1977 I was discharged - honorable.
I spent the next 15-odd years working in construction, (including parttime hours as an ER orderly and also in hospital maintenance) some of that time operating my own business, as well as odds-jobs on my own when I worked for others. I painted, roofed, laid tile and carpet (commercial and residential), and did some framing, plumbing and electrical work on remodel jobs and also built swimming pools.
It was during this time when I became highly interested in hunting - I had always fished. But my time spent in the woods piqued my interest in why deer did X, and about the inter-relationships of organisms in nature.
So, tired of the feast and famine of the construction trade, in 1992, I entered the Wildlife Ecology program at Oklahoma State - with an emphasis in communication, because i wanted to be able to effectively relay on to others that which (I hoped) to learn.
And at OSU, with the communication option, I found myself taking a lot of journalism classes, so I decided to make journalism a second major. I finished up my BS in both in 1997.
I spent the next three years working for newspapers and starving to death at a little more than minimum wage - and I was STILL laying tile to make ends meet, so I started applying for jobs at USAJOBS and in 2000, I worked at my first REAL science job as a biological technician on Ocracoke Island at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC, monitoring endangered sea turtle nests/stranding and endangered and/or threatened shorebirds.
After that seasonal job, I took a position with a state park in Oklahoma as a Naturalist in charge of a nature center - with a visitation of ~ 36,000/yr. That doesn't include the thousands of school children I spoke to when I went elsewhere to do presentations. And while I enjoyed the job immensely, I found the atmosphere of petty politics, patronage and corruption and some other stuff by the park managment (by "good" three-time-a-week-church-goin' Christians) distasteful, so I resigned after 2 years.
My next employment was working for adults with developmental disabilities - I oversaw their "programs" - eg, If they needed 24-hour staffing I interviewed and hired the staff, saw to it their healthcare needs were met, etc. I left there in April to take this job.
I'm back on Cape Hatteras, working now on Hatteras Island doing the same thing as before, and since I will not have to compete for this job next year, I'll return to my old job working with adults w/DD in November, and my current plan is to return to the Seashore in April 2006. I mean come on, what's better than getting a G-ride (Gov't Vehicle) to use to go up and down the beach checking out babes ... ooops I mean birds. :huh:
And I've considered and re-considered going back for an MS and PhD, my quandry is that I don't know upon what track. I enjoy speaking to, and educating people, but I also enjoy working in the field with endangered species, as I am now. It also seems almost impossible to get a perm job (W/DOI et al) w/o at least an MS.
And the truth of the matter is, I'm 46 and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. :confused:
And while I may make only infrequent contributions to the forums, I do try to help by serving on the The Kiosk Editorial Review Committee assisting in approving or rejecting articles for publication in the SecWeb Kiosk (http://www.secweb.org/kiosk.asp) .
Aside from my interest in the Origins Debate, I do some photography (http://www.geocities.com/the_wildlifer) and like reading online (free) journal articles to keep up w/current trends in science.
I'm single and have two sons, 25 and 16, a Blue & Gold Macaw and a 2-year-old Rottweiler. The latter two, as well as my house on the Arkansas River in Oklahoma are being watched by a friend, as pets aren't allowed in G-housing, although I do have a rat snake in my room. Herps are my love and aves are a passion ... and I guess I'll leave it at that as I fear someone's probably sorry they asked.

[CelticChic]

Well...BS in Biology with huge interest in genetics and evolutionary biology (and astrobiology) but not currently pursueing another degree. I read various science stuff on my own. Working in bioinformatics now and would like to do some computation modeling of evolution but I do not yet know enough of the computational part to attempt :)

I plan on reading a lot of the books offered on IIDB just so I can keep up with everyone here!!

[EsoCyn]

I don't have any credentials as of right now past high school (I'm going to be a Senior next year.) However, I've always taken great interests in natural sciences, space and filmmaking/writing.

Given those variables, my plans for college and my life ahead of me are to first go to school for a PhD. in Astronomy (probably with a heavy concentration on Cosmology) and minor in Film Arts or Creative Writing. After I've obtained my Astro PhD., I'll go back to school for a Masters in Atmospheric Sciences [Meteorology].

I have considered double majoring, but to be bluntly honest, I don't think I'd be able to do it. In addition, I admire anyone able enough to pull off a double major, and my hat goes off to the person who did a triple-major in Math, Physics and Computer Science.

My credentials go as far as what I've read in school and on my own.

Also, if it makes any difference, I was a stocker/bus boy/cashier/food preparer and dish washer at CiCi's Pizza. :D

My dad is a printer by trade, so he's going to set up a print shop in the garage soon and teach me the trade.

[Dr_Paine]

B.A. History; currently working on a PhD in U.S. History, focusing on the conflicts between religion and the development of philosophical and scientific ideas in American history.

I have taken an interest in cognitive science, in particular evolutionary psychology, and have read widely on this topic.

My knowledge of the sciences is conceptual. I have scant knowledge of the quantitative minutiae of the physical sciences.

[SecretAsianMan]

I'm a recent high school grad - Yesterday Baby!

Umm
I graduated with a NYS Advanced Regents Standing and Honors from a public business high school but I also lurk here alot. What does that get me??

Then there's several years of Kung Fu training. And I can build a computer. :thumbs:

[Kotter]

Hi everyone! This is my first post here! I have a B.Sc. in physics, Grad. Dip. Math. Studies, and currently completing a Masters in pure mathematics. Have done some biology in the past, but have become very, very interested in the past few months after getting fed up with the pseudo scientific rants on Creationists!

[Supersonic 77]

Hi everyone, I'm new here. This thread is filled with some amazing and diverse (and quite frankly, intimidating!) backgrounds.

As far as my own background, I received a combined BA (2000) in Sociology and Anthropology. I focused mainly on biological anthropology. I earned my MA (2003) in Sociology.

I had mostly abandoned the biological stuff about 5 years ago, but I've developed a renewed interest in it. Until I started reading another political message board a couple years ago, I was really unaware of the levels of creationism in the US and how strongly it was adhered to. In debating with creationists more frequently on other forums in the past year or so, I've gone scouring the internet for resources, and I recently stumbled on an old thread from this forum when searching for info on "creationist physicians". This is an incredible site filled with a lot of great information!


I'm currently undecided about which one (out of Archaeology, Social Anthropology and Biological Anthropology I'm going to carry on next year), although it will probably be Bio Anth.

If there's anyone here who's studied any of those three and could give me some advice I'd be very grateful! :)
It's good to at least have a little bit of background on each. Personally I'd stick with biological/archaeological, but try to balance it with at least some of the cultural stuff if possible. Hope you enjoy it all!

[Prester John]

BSc Biological Science
10 Years working in Clinical Bacteriology (lab rat!)
Currently working for Transfusion Service investigating products for bacterial contamination and doing research in the field.

[jonesg]

Hi All.

Since the topic of credentials has come up recently, I figured I'd start a topic to allow the participants of this forum to provide their qualifications, however meager they might be.

I will start out.

I am an evolutionary biologist, studying evolutionary theory under Marjorie Asmussen at UGA. I have a BS in Genetics and a AB in Latin from the University of Georgia. I am currently working on my PhD there too, with an NSF Predoctoral Fellowship. (Thank you tax payers.) I have one paper that is currently in review which deals with frequencey-dependent selection.

Out of all the creationists arguments, I am most interested in ones dealing with the existance of kinds.

-RvFvS (Reed A. Cartwright)

[ March 07, 2002: Message edited by: RufusAtticus ]</p>


I dropped out of school at 15.
You don't need a phd to see the obvious.
I'm a big of ,now dead, Stephen Jay Gould.

[quester]

I did a double major in math and physics a long time ago. I was a computer specialist for 26 years, now retired.

I watch birds and do a lot of reading on biological and other scientific subjects.

[starling]

I don't have any credentials. :( My fourth year of school without even an AA degree, and they're cutting off my financial aid. And I haven't had a steady full time job in my life. So... good job everyone else. Don't know how you do it.

[Infinite_Rules]

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), National University of Singapore
Majored in Management and Finance

What is a business guy like me doing here in an Evo/Cret forum? Don't know, maybe I just find the notion that there are adults who go about preaching 7-days creation, Noah's Arch and Mosses's sea-parting very disturbing in this age of reason.

[Prince Vegita]

Bump me up to a Ph.D. in neuroscience, per Roland98's annoying public request :p

[Oolon Colluphid]

Two years ago I wrote:
Hmmm. Does my O Level in biology count?

Did biology A Level (along with chemistry and classical civilisation), failed, retook it and got an O, which meant I was as good at it three years later as I was at 16. Basically, I'm crap at exams: took lots, passed quite a few (10 'O's, 4 'A's), none with good grades.

My BA (hons), Classical Studies, has proved highly relevant ever since I did it. [/sarcasm] ;)

Biology and chemistry A Levels gave me enough to make Dawkins etc easy reading, and ever since then I've been collecting pop science and textbooks (Futuyma, Gilbert, Brock, Eckert, Bush, Brown, Benton, Klein, Clarkson, Carroll etc) with the aim of eventually reading and understanding them all.

Which I why I've not owned up to my 'qualifications' till now... :o
Well, I can now announce that I'm starting an Open University degree in something (doesn't need to be specified yet) biological. At least, I'm doing their Level 1 course on Fossils and the History of Life. I'm hoping it will be a doddle, being level 1 and since I can make approximate sense of Per's papers and have spent ages explaining this stuff to others here at IIDB... but we'll see. It'll give me 1/36th of a science degree, and mean that I will officially Know What I'm Talking About for once ;) :D

[Ergaster]

An update for me, too:

Added the Bachelor of Science and graduate work in paleoanthropology is a Bachelor of Education, in Junior, Intermediate, and Senior levels (Grades 4 to 12) in Science.

So now I can teach it to your kids. heh heheheheheheheh.........

:devil3:

[NottyImp]

Congratulations.

[Mike Elphick]

I'm new to this group. What will my wife think joining a bunch of infidels (she's a minister in the Church of England) and what about my next-door neighbour who's a Muslim?

I have a PhD in Biochemistry (London), but gave that sort of work up 20 odd years ago. I now spend all day programming microcontrollers! I had doubts about [mainly the mechanisms] of evolution, but these have been blown away by the totally unbelievable claims of Creationists. I'm now thinking about the inheritance of acquired characteristics...

[NottyImp]

Well, it's a Boon to have you here. ;)

[Mike Elphick]

Well, it's a Boon to have you here. ;)

Well, thanks for that. No one will know what we are talking about, but it looks like you're just a bike ride away for me :cool: to deal with you in person.

[Oolon Colluphid]

Well, thanks for that. No one will know what we are talking about,
No need to keep it Private, eh, Schultz?
but it looks like you're just a bike ride away for me :cool: Would that be a vampire motorcycle...?

Welcome, Mike :)

[llanitedave]

I joined a while back, but never thought to add my two cents here until now.

I don't have a real job -- I'm a geologist.

A humble field geologist, sometimes doing double duty as a drilling engineer. I've been an amateur astronomer since I was knee high to a Starship Trooper, and am proud of my never-to-be completed 10" dobsonian. I'm struggling very hard to become a linux geek. I enjoy computer simulations of real-world processes, hiking in the rugged desert terrain of the Southwest, star parties...
and of course thinking and learning and talking about the deeper issues that affect us all.

My religion? Oh yes, I'm a born-again polemicist.

[orpheus last chant]

Ummm, graduated an art HS (music) this summer. I'm a certified piano player and musician (classical music). I'm starting a Bs degree in biochemistry this fall (just 2 weeks to go).

And if anyone is wondering if they're having an effect on the lurkers here, I'm proof of that. It wasn't my only influence, but it reminded me of how much of a biology geek I used to be in middle school, and how much fun that was. Kicked music in the bucket. Put all efforts into biochem, with dreams of a master's in neurobiology (or something else, they all sound very interesting).

[Oolon Colluphid]

I'm starting a Bs degree in biochemistry this fall
I hope you mean a BSc degree... ;)

[orpheus last chant]

I hope you mean a BSc degree... ;)

Oh, darn these abbreviations! So bachelor's is BSc? I'll just assume the c stands for certificate or something like that.

[Oolon Colluphid]

Apologies. Wikipedia tells me (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachelor's_degree) that 'BSc' (Batchelor of Science) is Commonwealth usage, and can be 'BS' in the US.

Mind you, I'd go with the former to avoid confusion. Many a creationist has a BS degree... ;)

[Coragyps]

It's worse than you think over here, Oolon: we all know what "B.S." stands for. "M.S." is More of the Same, and only after I got my own PhD was I told that those letters stand for "Piled Higher and Deeper." :(

[Method]

BS (US version) in Zoology, 9 years experience in Infectious Disease research specializing in protein chemistry.

[ekman]

Not sure who reads this thread any more, but I'll chip in...

B.S. Biology, UNC Chapel Hill
M.A. Science Education, UNC Chapel Hill
M.S. Marine Science, William and Mary

Taught college-level general biology, human a&p, ecology.
Worked as a GIS Analyst.
Worked as a barrier island specialist for state of NC.
Posted/lurked on talk.origins since 1992.
Currently employed as an IT Analyst to keep my kids fed and clothed, argue with creationists for fun.

[Converse02]

BS in Biochemistry, minor in American Literature
MD
Currently a second year pathology resident.

[Oolon Colluphid]

Not sure who reads this thread any more, but I'll chip in...
We mods do, at least :D Welcome to IIDB!

[tanstaafl28]

BS in Communications and a MS in Computer Information Systems, which qualifies me as an "expert" in absolutely nothing...I've come to believe that the most useful thing my degrees have given me is a higher appreciation for reference skills.

[luminous]

:notworthy WOW! This board has people with a ton of credentials!!! :thumbs: I do hope that those of you with credentials / experience in the sciences, especially those in the evolutionary biology field will contribute to the thread I just started: Does micro-evolution lead to macro-evolution? (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=138632)

I haven't completed my bachelor's degree yet (I'm 23 already :( ) because I took an extended break from school. But I do plan on finishing and eventually get a Phd. I'm a soccer fanatic though I don't play much anymore, love reading and learning new things (hate fiction though), and have a big interest in theology and creation/evolution.

[Black Feather]

Bah! I'm only a registered nurse for critical care and hospice. I'm also an artist and Wiccan with a strong interest in primitive cultures. A mom too. So.....no alphabet soup for me. :(

[Black Feather]

Bah! I'm only a registered nurse for critical care and hospice. I'm also an artist and Wiccan with a strong interest in primitive cultures. A mom too. So.....no alphabet soup for me. :(


I forgot to add I'm an experienced horse breeder for American Quarter Horses (I've been out of it for a while--my mom still does though). I have a little bit of understanding of animal behavior and some genetics--although I'm rusty.

[PetDr]

I recently stumbled upon your little party, and I have to say this is a very interesting crew.
I'm a small town Midwesterner now living in sunny SoCal.
I recieved my DVM degree at Iowa State University in '96. I was considered a "non-traditional" student, but that's a long story.

[Dorje]

B.S. in Physics from PSU with 10 years teaching experience

[RBH]

I recently stumbled upon your little party, and I have to say this is a very interesting crew.
I'm a small town Midwesterner now living in sunny SoCal.
I recieved my DVM degree at Iowa State University in '96. I was considered a "non-traditional" student, but that's a long story.Welcome to Infidels, PetDr.

RBH

[electrolyte]

BS in Biochemistry.
Growing up in the Bible Belt, I took the initiative in educating myself in evolution/creationism and philosophy of religion beginning in middle school.

[Sensei Meela]

Hmmm. Never thought to check this thread!

BSc (;)) in Conservation Biology. Doing an independent study right now with a former professor, with a Masters coming along sometime down the road...

Am proud to be a part of such a well-informed community.

[Thief of Time]

A mere First year Engineer, who is going to switch to chemistry. Perhaps even Biochem, but its not decided yet. Basic chemistry, and Physics.
No biology aside from what I've read in New Scientist and on the internet
Eventually that will become a BSc in Chemistry. In several years time.

[Kosmo]

I tend to post here sporadically, though I've been a member for a couple of years now.
BS in Chemistry and Biochemistry--University of Michigan
MD--Wayne State University

Currently a resident in Internal Medicine with a plan to go into Hematology/Oncology.

[Matthew_28_28]

Education:BA Psychology (University of Alberta) and 1st year law student (U of Alberta)

Relevant Background: Modern Creationisms and Science and Religion Classes (Prof: Denis Lamoureux); philosophy of religion, epistemology, metaphysics, etc..

Debate Background: Research assistant for formal debates involving Behe, Johnson and Moreland.

First post :P

[finallygotitright]

BSBA; Creighton University Omaha Nebraska with studies in Mathmatics and Philosphy. Masters in Management, Masters in Financial Services; American College Bryn Mawr PA. Charted Financial Consultant, Charterd Life Underwriter and a Registered Investment Advisor. Have thirty plus years as a money manager running my own firm. Grow roses, ride motorcycles, read and think. Still learning! Great to see the young high schoolers in here.....Wish I would have had your wisdom at that age.

[PƒhMy:deEauLx]

I don't really have credentials. I have been debating evolutionist for 2-3 years now. I'm 17 years old, in high school and, at this time, plan to focus on microbiology and/or genetics.

[BlackZero]

I have a B.A. in Anthropology and a minor in English from NYU. My interests are competitive skating, boxing, literature and most important of all keeping abreast of scientific developments and keeping my knowledge as up to date as possible.

0

[Manitoumulegirl]

B.A., M.B.S. Biology, with emphasis on plant physiology and evolution, University of Colorado
M.A. Information Science, University of Denver

[Ethelred]

B.S. Biochemistry, B.A. History from U. Arkansas.

Currently a second year graduate student in Biochemistry.

[dettus]

B.S. in Natural Science and my current job is being a father to my 3 daughters.

[LambdaCalculator]

No official credentials here. I've learned what I know about biology by reading popular science books and using the internet.

My specialty is computers. Other than the KPro that my father had before I was born and the Packard Bell he bought me when I was 8, I've built every computer I've used from OEM parts. I started using Linux all the way back when it only had a CLI, but went back to Windows because of wider software support. I now use both Linux and Windows on different machines.

As for programming, I am pretty well versed in both ANSI C and C++, Perl, Python, Linux Shell (bash, and to a lesser extent, zshell and tcshell), and I'm currently learning Java.

Self-taught in just about everything.

[jcain6]

I will recieve a B.S in physics with a minor in mathematics next semester. I begin graduate school this August.

[Self]

Seven years Navy, boiler and fridge ticket out of the deal.
Return to school in my late 20's BaSc Industrial Systems Eng. '99
Course work ++ for minor in Geology but never granted due to different depts at Uni.
Motorcycle licence and avid rider since '84
Currently engineering manager for an oil & gas co.
Lurker here since '03

[johno]

I am always keen on arguments from authority...:devil3:

BSc in Zoology 1966
PhD in 1971
DSc in 2002

I currently hold the view that evolution has taken place, in other words evolution is a fact, and, with some minor discomforts, I hold that the theory of evolution accounts for the facts.

For many years I taught a seminar on evolution and the bible with a friend and colleague who is both a subscriber to the theory of evolution, and also an ordained episcopalian clergyman.

I have taught courses to students of the history and philosophy of science dealing with the reception of Darwin's ideas in 19th century Britain and America, and on the intellectual status of Creation Science (which doesn't take long) and lectured on the rise of the Intelligent Design movement.

My atheism is independent of my subscribing to the facts and theory of evolution.

johno

[lifewish]

I'm only a third-year maths undergrad, but I've done the information theory course and am currently working on a project relating to bioinformatics (mutation rates, BLOSUM matrices et al). No biology, but I've been lurking evolution/creation forums for years - very relaxing when bored.

[PinkPanther_04]

I have a BS in wildlife and fisheries sciences, with an emphasis on wildife ecology and management. Currently in my first year of a masters program in biology at the University of South Florida. No research topic yet, but my primary interests are in conservation of small populations and predation.

[profplum]

B.S. Geology (Paleobiology Specialty) 1981
M.S. Geology 1989
Ph.D. Biology 1996

My M.S. Thesis was on the fossil mollusks of Pit 91, Rancho La Brea. Yes, I am the expert on the representative of an entire phylum at the Tar Pits in California. That, and $1.50 will get me a tall coffee at Starbucks.
My Ph.D. Dissertation was on self-fertilization in mollusks, in particular the evidence for self-fertilization in one species of land snail. I don't claim to be the expert in self-fertilization in snails and clams; someone in France know more than I do.

I also have an expired Michigan Secondary Teachers Certificate, with endorsements in Life Science and Earth Science. I took the courses for that program from 1996-1998. I taught in K12 schools from 1998-2002, when I quit.

I currently teach science at three community colleges, general biology at one college (since 2003), anatomy and physiology at another (since 2005), and physical geology at another (since 1996). I have also taught invertebrate zoology at two four-year colleges, and, at the institution where I now teach geology, I have taught environmental science, anatomy and physiology, introductory biology, zoology, and astronomy. I also tutor high-school students in math, science, and writing skills. I even was the tour guide for a local tourist trap that featured full-sized model dinosaurs as the attraction. As if all the science-related activity wasn't enough, I judge marching bands. I am nothing if not versatile!

[doc_simon]

Now that it's all official, it's time for an update:

PhD in Electronic Engineering - in reality it was computer science. I devised ways to configure materials to perform computation. The configurations were discovered by evolution! I've got a fair few publications, which sit in the following fields: evolvable hardware, genetic algorithms, genetic programming, unconventional computation, nanotechnology and neural networks.

My first degree was Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science. My dissertation for that (which got turned into a crappy conference paper) was on evolving assembly language programs using a graph based genotype.

I've also worked as a software engineer and consultant on many projects, but mainly control, robotics and remote telemetry. During my time doing my doctorate, I also did some teaching on programming, neural networks, artificial intelligence programming and robotics.

[RBH]

Now that it's all official, it's time for an update:

PhD in Electronic Engineering - in reality it was computer science. I devised ways to configure materials to perform computation. The configurations were discovered by evolution! I've got a fair few publications, which sit in the following fields: evolvable hardware, genetic algorithms, genetic programming, unconventional computation, nanotechnology and neural networks.

My first degree was Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science. My dissertation for that (which got turned into a crappy conference paper) was on evolving assembly language programs using a graph based genotype.

I've also worked as a software engineer and consultant on many projects, but mainly control, robotics and remote telemetry. During my time doing my doctorate, I also did some teaching on programming, neural networks, artificial intelligence programming and robotics.Congratulations! (Aside: Did you work with/around Adrian Thompson at Sussex? Feel free to not answer to preserve anonymity if you wish.)

RBH

[doc_simon]

Congratulations! (Aside: Did you work with/around Adrian Thompson at Sussex? Feel free to not answer to preserve anonymity if you wish.)

RBH

Cheers for the congrats!

Never worked with him, but my stuff is based on his stuff and things his student Paul Layzell did (worth reading his stuff too!). I've met Adrian a couple of times. I don't know what he's up to ATM. The last time I saw him he was using evolution to do something with single electron transistors - exploiting the thermal noise to produce higher temp ones. One day I should start a thread about this stuff...

[RBH]

Cheers for the congrats!

Never worked with him, but my stuff is based on his stuff and things his student Paul Layzell did (worth reading his stuff too!). I've met Adrian a couple of times. I don't know what he's up to ATM. The last time I saw him he was using evolution to do something with single electron transistors - exploiting the thermal noise to produce higher temp ones. One day I should start a thread about this stuff...Yeah, I've read Layzell, too. I had a hardware evolution thread on ARN a couple of years ago. Don't know what happened to it. They switched BB systems, and a lot of threads are lost.

[igfm_spanky]

I can read, which is pretty effective against most creationist arguments.

[karateka]

PhD in Human Factors/Cognitive Psychology, with emphases in Industrial Engineering, Computer Science. BS Psychology, minor was Biology was the other way around, but I literally either killed everything including bacteria colonies in lab or managed to get the mutant, including a mutant tomato! Last 5 years working in human-robot interaction, advanced interfaces, robotic intelligence, and human error/human reliability analysis.

[RBH]

PhD in Human Factors/Cognitive Psychology, with emphases in Industrial Engineering, Computer Science. BS Psychology, minor was Biology was the other way around, but I literally either killed everything including bacteria colonies in lab or managed to get the mutant, including a mutant tomato! Last 5 years working in human-robot interaction, advanced interfaces, robotic intelligence, and human error/human reliability analysis.Welcome, karateka. I did Human Factors back in the 1960s -- Apollo Command Module control system, and various aircraft control and display systems. And some shito ryu in the 1970s, for which I am paying now in the shoulders and hips. :(

RBH

[karateka]

Thanks! Apollo Command Module -- TRES cool! I was at NASA Kennedy a few weeks ago, and got to check out the shuttle orbiter up close and personal. Geek HEAVEN! I do shotokan, which has similarities in the katas and basics.

[anders]

B.A. in linguistics - main subject general linguistics
M.Chem.Eng. (1972) - main subject biochemistry
Following some years in the pharmaceutical business, I began doing technical translations in 1987, and I'm still there (various W European languages into Swedish, mostly various technology areas, chemistry and medicine).

[Kotter]

New addition to my qualifications! My thesis has been accepted, so I have passed my masters in pure mathematics. Not biology, there is always next degree!

[FKasRoy]

I'm an Architect and a Jazz musician. I'm very smart, (when anoyed by the popuplar wave partical duality descriptions I heard about in college, I intuited something similar to string theory) but have no formal science or math credentials. I'm one of the funniest people you will ever meet, and I can sing on tune.

[Anduin]

I am a legal academic specialising in Intellectual Property Law. :devil3:

I have a Masters degree in Business Law and a Master in Philosophy. I'm on a publishing spree to get my PhD by publications.

I have no qualifications in the physical sciences, other than having taken introductory Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy courses in University.

[SkepticBoyLee]

I graduated from East Cheatham Elementary school (TN. 25 minutes outside Nashville) with an emphases on readin', ritin' and rithmatic in 1989. I then moved on to Sycamore Middle School where I made a B+ in 7th grade biology and was a part of the top 20 percentile of the class who did not vomit during the video of a live human birthing.

Finally, I graduated from Cheatham County Central High School in 1996 with a 2.6 GPA in the college bound curriculum. I went on to Volunteer State Community College and then to Westen Kentucky University where I double majored in botony (ok marijuana smoking), and the not so liberal masturbatory arts.

I did not recieve my degree but I like science and evolution an stuff, and henctheretoforth, I am qualified to make new topics that ask questions of the more qualified posters here, I can provide relevant links now and again, and I am also able to leave short quips throughout this forum that may or may not help further stimulate the discussion.

[Great Spirit]

Bachelor of Medical Sci , Birmingham University

:blush:

[whichphilosophy]

I certainly have no way to match the majority if not all the credentials shown here.

I left school without going to college. With Art and Religious Education as majors, they were a fat load of use anyway except for becoming a teacher.

Starting off work in a beer warehouse in Germany and then managing shops I moved to the Oil and Gas industry. For the past few years I dealt with a great deal of contractual and legal problems and became able to deal on the same level as some of our opposing sophisitcated lawyers and legal executives in Hong Kong UK and China. I guess work experience taught me the skills of negotiating and bluff as used in many legal situations.

Though years late I am doing an BA in Law following an MA in English Law (the thesis about English law of contracts). While experience is one thing, lacking the qualifications as I have found in my own studies shows how a person can nonetheless be ignorant. (Take the example of a quack with experience but has never studied medicine).

The degree will not qualify me to apply for the bar as it is distance learning. It does qualify someone to be a legal executive, though this is not my title.

Since I am dealing with one major case at the moment (contract dispute), the course material has been useful and well timed where I am preparing an Affidavit for "An Injunction For Special Performance" Just a few lines learnt from the course written by qualififed people saved dozens of hours of dispute.

In this both experience and qualifications are important and enhance each other.

A university graduate in a new job can be glib and an experienced person can be ignorant.

Anyway I'm gradually leaving this behind as started opening some small shops in the Philippines and now am purchasing some franchaising.

[Ezkerraldean]

hey

thought i'd make an intro post out of this, do you have a new members section here?

im studying geology at A-level (UK) and am nearly finished with the course. im also very knowledgable (in most people's terms - obsessed) with paleontology and evolutionary biology, and im a veteran of evo-crea discussions/debates/arguments. i am also studying maths, physics and geography as A-levels and will probably go further into planetary geology at Leicester university in the near future.

[RBH]

hey

thought i'd make an intro post out of this, do you have a new members section here?

im studying geology at A-level (UK) and am nearly finished with the course. im also very knowledgable (in most people's terms - obsessed) with paleontology and evolutionary biology, and im a veteran of evo-crea discussions/debates/arguments. i am also studying maths, physics and geography as A-levels and will probably go further into planetary geology at Leicester university in the near future.Welcome to Infidels. There's The Lounge (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/forumdisplay.php?f=52), which is as close to a 'new members' section as we have.

RBH

[Simply Peachy]

Nearing retirement with a BS in Engr Physics and MS in Systems Engr and a lot of reading in sciences over the last thirty years.

I am enrolled in a MA Liberal Studies to keep things working and expand horizons a bit.

I am a Christian anjd a YEC who recognizes that I take a lot on faith.. but thats ok because other positions do as well.

I would like to see much more required reading and writing requirements in HS and College and that is the best place to expose people to say alternative explanations of the universe and life as we observe it etc. This should not interfere with anyone's science or religion just broad exposure to ideas and developing writing skills.

I am unconvinced that one or a few specialties own certain branches of scientific thought or that other discpliplines have nothing to offer to the debate. History is replete with new theories from outsiders that revolutionized scientific advances.

[Joe Meert]

Whoo-hoo. I just found out today that I am now an Associate Professor with tenure at UF.

Cheers

Joe Meert

[RBH]

Whoo-hoo. I just found out today that I am now an Associate Professor with tenure at UF.

Cheers

Joe MeertYES! Way to go, Joe! That's a big hump to get over -- I know, having climbed over it meself once upon a time.

RBH

[manderguy]

Nicely done, Joe.

As for me, I've been holding off on this post while ABD. Now it's official.

BS Environment
MS Env. Science
PhD Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (heavy on the ecology, but main advisor heavy into dealing with creationists)

Booyah. So nice to be done.

Now I have a policy job and frankly...I am sooo happy to not be doing science anymore. Love to learn it. Hate to do it as it turns out. Go figure.

[Joe Meert]

Nicely done, Joe.

As for me, I've been holding off on this post while ABD. Now it's official.

BS Environment
MS Env. Science
PhD Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (heavy on the ecology, but main advisor heavy into dealing with creationists)

Booyah. So nice to be done.

Now I have a policy job and frankly...I am sooo happy to not be doing science anymore. Love to learn it. Hate to do it as it turns out. Go figure.


Thanks and congrats to you to! It's always best to figure out what you like and if you don't like to do science, then academia is not the place to be. We need scientifically literate folk in all walks of life Congrats again Dr. Manderguy!

Cheers

Joe Meert

[Peez]

Congratulations to muppetboy, Kotter, Joe Meert, and manderguy!

For those of you who might be intimidated by some of the degrees here, I want to echo what igfm_spanky posted:I can read, which is pretty effective against most creationist arguments.:)
Peez

[Justin T.]

wow lots of posts no way am I going to read them all today I just felt like this was a good place for a little introduction

HS diploma passed with Bs and Cs mostly for a lack of application

spent a few years at ACC taking Automotive Technologies classes (that means Mechanic) I have also spent ~14years in the Steel industry so I have nothing to recommend any opinion I may have other than an analytical mind and a love for Logic

I also like swords and fast cars

Justin

sorry about my spelling and grammar I blame the first on phonics and the later on being lazy

[Morgana]

I have a fairly recent PhD in computer science and a much less recent undergrad degree in math, both from UC Berkeley.

I know virtually nothing about biology apart from what I have picked up here, at talkorigins.org, and in popular literature.

I have enough experience with statistics and probability to know that people in general are really bad at it.

[Monad]

I've just been offered a more extended teaching post at Uni and agreement that they will fund my PhD so now I just have to find a supervisor and write the full proposal :)

(it's not directly on an evolutionary subject - I'm not a biologist - my degrees are in Psychology (though specialising in biology of behaviour and clinical psych) and Health sciences and the PhD will be treatment related, but it is based in part on evolutionary theories of the development of mind and cognition)

[Ezkerraldean]

yay! got my A-grade geology A-level!
it's a start anyway

[Monetary Dragon]

I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse with bachelor's degrees in Microbiology and Philosophy, and I have recently become a graduate student in a biomedical sciences PhD program at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I have a strong interest in the whole creation vs evolution 'controversy', as it is one of the few areas of approximate intersection between biology and philosophy.

[Pavlov's Dog]

I have a B.S. degree from Eastern Michigan University where I double majored in Psychology and Political Science and a J.D. from University of California, Hastings.

At Hastings I was a TA for appellate advocacy/moot court. While at Hastings, I wrote appellate briefs on 4th Amendment "search and seizure" issues, felony disenfranchisement, and First Amendment "freedom of expression" and "freedom of association" issues. I don't really consider myself an expert on these subjects, but I do consider myself knowledgeable on them.

[JamesBannon]

Aside from the usual high-school education I have a BA in Business Economics and Post-graduate Diploma in Computing Science. I have been in technical support most of my working career apart from 4 years as a nurse. I am currently unemployed but reckoned, by some, to be smart. I have no formal qualifications in any of the science disciplines mentioned here or philosophy.

[tau_neutrino]

I graduated with B.S. degrees in Computer Science and Biology from the University of Texas at Austin. I'm currently working as a research associate at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio on kidney hypoxia and apoptosis.

[Febble]

Just got my PhD in psychology! To add to two BAs (one in music, one in architecture) and an MA in urban design. Well, it makes sense to me.

[RBH]

Just got my PhD in psychology! To add to two BAs (one in music, one in architecture) and an MA in urban design. Well, it makes sense to me.Congratulations! ;)

[throwback]

Hi all,

My undergraduate degree was a BE (Chem), during which I took a few biomed courses as part of the optional biomedical minor. These caught my attention much more than "traditional" chem eng - so much so that I decided to do my PhD in tissue engineering - just graduated from that a few months back. I'm currently working as a postdoc looking at developing new surfaces for serum- and feeder-free stem cell culture.

[Phishfood]

Hello...interesting thread. Might as well add to it.

BS in Neuroscience with a minor in Biochemistry
MS in Biomedicine

Currently working through Medical School for my MD

-Phishfood

[nygreenguy]

Got my B.S. in Forest Ecology, Not im going for my B.S. in Botany (SUNY ESF) (about 1 semester left) where I will them go for my PhD in Evolutionary Botany, or something related. Well have to see.

[bluesky]

WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I am happy to report that the admissions committee for Microbiology and Immunology has accepted you into our graduate program.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

PhD in microbiology... in like... 5 or 6 years...

WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[RBH]

WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!



WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

PhD in microbiology... in like... 5 or 6 years...

WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!Great news -- congrats!

[Djugashvillain]

WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!



WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

PhD in microbiology... in like... 5 or 6 years...

WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Congratulations: I'm sure you earned it. :D

[Dr.GH]

Currently working through Medical School for my MD

-Phishfood

HEHEHeh

When I was a med school prof, we called 2nd year students "mullets." A mullet is a large "trash" fish common in brackish waters. A step below a 'mullet' was a 'grommet,' the hole in a tarp or sail used to run a line.

Maybe we just resented that they were young and would graduate knowing (hopefully) more than we did when we graduated.

[Blue Lead]

I figured this would be a good place for my first post. I found this forum via the TalkOrigins web site. Looks like I can learn a lot and I hope to at least contribute a little.

B.S. in Physics and a Masters in Astrophysics
Retired - 22 years in the Army but still working for Uncle Sam as a civilian.

[RBH]

Welcome to Infidels, Blue Lead.

RBH

[PaucoremHominem]

[quote]Originally posted by liquid:
<strong>This makes me something of an all-rounder, as I understand all areas of the debate to a reasonable extent. Certainly enough for most creationists.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Bah! Remedial Science 1A is enough for most creationists. :D

Arrogance and Condescension 800 aren't enough for most Darwinists.

First Darwinists lament how scientists were persecuted for their new theories.
Then Darwinists follow up on this by ........ persecuting those who do not march in lockstep with Charlie Darwin's 150 year old theory.

Arrogance, condescension, and venom are not instruments of the scientific method, use them though Darwinists will.

[RBH]

Note that this is not a general discussion thread.

RBH, Admin

[Agenda07]

I'm currently studying for A levels in maths, further maths, philosophy, and French. I've applied to study philosophy, politics, and economics at Uni but I'm thinking about changing to something more useful like a joint-honours maths degree. :)

Needless to say I'm hopelessly outclassed on this forum so I tend to watch rather than joining in. My knowledge of evolution is limited to an A* in GCSE biology, TalkOrigins, and Richard Dawkins.

[paxmagellanic]

Just on the off chance that it even actually matters;

Masters in Computer Science/IT, minor in Chemical Engineering.

Doesn't make me the most qualified person in the world to discuss Creation/Evolution, but maybe I can add something.

[mattsk]

Gidday everyone. I'll introduce myself here.

I have two bachelors degrees. One in Computer Science, and the other is in Mathematics. I also completed an honours year in Mathematics after completing the bachelors degree.

I hope to begin a PhD sometime in the next 12 months, but am unsure which dicipline I will persue it in.

Like Agenda07, I fell somewhat outclassed here. I know little about Evolution apart from that which I pick up from here (and links from here) and my well read friends. I expect I shall remain a lurker primarily.

Regardless, I am pleased to be here :)

[SophistiCat]

Well, time to let the cat out of the bag. I don't have any relevant credentials to evo/creo anyway...

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering with an emphasis on mathematical modeling,

BA & MS in applied physics (a continuous 6-year program) with an emphasis on aerodynamics and aircraft design.

Oh, and I can read, write, and tell time too!

[Thorby]

I mostly just lurk here and I don't always feel qualified to speak up, but I am always here and I always learn something. I am a proud lurker!

As for my background, high school graduate, 20 years in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic (with technical and leadership schools), A+ cert in computers, and thousands of books on anything and everything.

The person who made me the skeptic/athiest/infidel I am today was Isaac Asimov and his science essays in Fantasy and Science Fiction. Those essays started me on a lifelong love affair with science, reason, and skepticism.

My belief is (to paraphrase Asimov), "Modern sciencehas done more for the welfare of humanity than thousands of year of religion".

Thorby

[kjkent1]

Hi, all. Esq., here -- employed by Intel Corporation. No formally recognized scientific knowledge other than what I pick up from interaction with electronics and software engineers.

However, I can take a derivative and factor a quadradic, so I got dat goin' for me!

:)

[RBH]

Hi, all. Esq., here -- employed by Intel Corporation. No formally recognized scientific knowledge other than what I pick up from interaction with electronics and software engineers.

However, I can take a derivative and factor a quadradic, so I got dat goin' for me!

:)Welcome to Infidels!

RBH

[John Hewitt]

Hi all, I too am new here. I have a degree in chemistry from Cambridge (I actually specialized in Physical Chemistry) and a doctorate in molecular biology. I spent some time in research and on the Cambridge faculty, so I have a dozen or so scientific papers to my name.

Even so, I am no great admirer of evolutionary theory. I find it to be a weakly constructed piece of work that seems to me of the "explain everything, predict nothing" variety. It is not the kind of thing one finds in either physics or chemistry and I am interested in seeing it formulated with better predictive and more clearly explanatory capacity. I base my own approach on data, rather than genes, and I see genes as formatting part of the data in DNA.

[RBH]

Welcome to Infidels, John. That's an interesting take on genes and DNA, and I'd like to hear more about it in an appropriate context.

RBH

[Oolon Colluphid]

Welcome from me too, John. Now, start a bloody thread on your ludicrous assertions, or withdraw them. :mad:

[Peez]

John Hewitt:
Hi all, I too am new here. I have a degree in chemistry from Cambridge (I actually specialized in Physical Chemistry) and a doctorate in molecular biology. I spent some time in research and on the Cambridge faculty, so I have a dozen or so scientific papers to my name.

Even so, I am no great admirer of evolutionary theory. I find it to be a weakly constructed piece of work that seems to me of the "explain everything, predict nothing" variety. It is not the kind of thing one finds in either physics or chemistry and I am interested in seeing it formulated with better predictive and more clearly explanatory capacity. I base my own approach on data, rather than genes, and I see genes as formatting part of the data in DNA.Hi John,

First, congratulations on your degrees, work, and publications. Obtaining a PhD is no small task: you must of course know and understand a great deal about your chosen field, have a firm grasp of the relevant literature, understand research, and finally undertake original research yourself. Certainly this should give you an appreciation of what others have had to go through to obtain their PhD's, and perhaps a little respect for their knowledge about their chosen fields. This does not mean that you should blindly accept anything that anyone with a PhD tells you, of course. On the other hand, I would have thought that you would have enough perspective to avoid making grossly ignorant comments about an area that is clearly beyond your field of study. Here is an example of how you sound to me:

‘I am no great admirer of atomic theory. I find it to be a weakly constructed piece of work that seems to me of the "explain everything, predict nothing" variety. It is not the kind of thing one finds in physics and I am interested in seeing it formulated with better predictive and more clearly explanatory capacity. I base my own approach on data, rather than atoms.'

Now, if you wish to support your comments about evolutionary theory, I suggest that you drop by the Evolution/Creationism forum. Alternately, you may wish to retract them.

Peez

[Wolfie]

It's about time I got around to this thread...

I have a BSc honours degree in Pure Chemistry and a PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry.

I used to work for the UK MoD, but got privatised out. I currently work for the UK's largest defence contractor. I am an energetic materials specialist - which basically means I fool around with military explosives and weapon systems. This has led to some rather interesting work as a 'civilian specialist' for UK MoD, US DoD and the Australian DoD.

Somewhere along the line I seem to have picked up an MBA.

I am interested in all sorts of things and I'll argue about anything!

I also like to write and am fortunate enought to have had six novels published.

[A.Sphere]

I have a BS in physics and I am currently a graduate student about 2-3 years away from my PhD. I will probably begin research this fall in the realm of high energy theory or gravitational theory - still thinking it over.

[Zygote]

B.S in Biological Science from U.C. Davis, 1982

I worked briefly in a research lab at Brandeis as an undergrad which gave me an appreciation for the slow, meticulous process by which science learns about the world. I haven't worked in a scientific job since graduation. Genetics fascinates me.

I have a strong interest in textiles which takes me into lay study of prehistory in that area. I read science non-fiction whenever I can to keep up with developments.

I teach (textiles and algebra) in an elementary school and advocate for logical thinking whenever the opportunity arises.

-Zygote
A zygote is a gamete's way of producing more gametes. This may be the purpose of the universe." - Heinlein

[John Hewitt]

Hi John,
‘I am no great admirer of atomic theory. I find it to be a weakly constructed piece of work that seems to me of the "explain everything, predict nothing" variety. It is not the kind of thing one finds in physics and I am interested in seeing it formulated with better predictive and more clearly explanatory capacity. I base my own approach on data, rather than atoms.'

Now, if you wish to support your comments about evolutionary theory, I suggest that you drop by the Evolution/Creationism forum. Alternately, you may wish to retract them.
Peez
I am sorry I haven't been reading this forum too often and this was the first time I've seen these comments. Right now I wouldn't know how to start a thread - can I actually do so as a newcomer? I shall research the matter.
I should add that it is "evolutionary theory" that I question, not the historic fact of evolution. I do not doubt the value of atomic theory.

[Peez]

John Hewitt:
I am sorry I haven't been reading this forum too often and this was the first time I've seen these comments. Right now I wouldn't know how to start a thread - can I actually do so as a newcomer? I shall research the matter.If you are registered, you should be able to start a new thread by going here (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/forumdisplay.php?daysprune=&forumid=66&x=12&y=11) and clicking on the "New Thread" icon near the bottom.I should add that it is "evolutionary theory" that I question, not the historic fact of evolution.This is what I understood, and why I used the atomic theory example.I do not doubt the value of atomic theory.I suspected as much. Again, this is why I chose that example. My feigned commentary on atomic theory was meant to illustrate to you how absurd your commentary on evolutionary theory was.

Peez

[Cheese]

Hello All, :wave:
New member here and HAPPY to be a part of this forum whether lurking or posting. :notworthy:

My travels have taken me many places and offered me wide experience...
Credentials certainly arent as expansive as most here however...

I am a Consulting Electrical Engineer...30 years and counting.
Married with a wonderful wife and 2 kids...
Living in Ontario, Canada but have lived and worked in Saskatchewan (my birthplace), Alberta where I gained my education at U of C and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Im an avid skier, hiker and once longggggggg ago climber. Owned a white water rafting company and have travelled extensively.
Not sure if any of the above means a thing..but one thing you can rest assured of is my commitment to Humanism and Atheism in general.
My general peeve is the education of children in theistic doctrine....or child abuse in short.

[Mike Elphick]

Even so, I am no great admirer of evolutionary theory. I find it to be a weakly constructed piece of work that seems to me of the "explain everything, predict nothing" variety. It is not the kind of thing one finds in either physics or chemistry and I am interested in seeing it formulated with better predictive and more clearly explanatory capacity. I base my own approach on data, rather than genes, and I see genes as formatting part of the data in DNA.Biology is not like physics and chemistry. I suggest you read Ernst Mayr's book What Makes Biology Unique? (http://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-Biology-Unique-Considerations/dp/0521841143)

[Djugashvillain]

John might not address your points here as he has already started a thread (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=197679) on his views on evolution.

[Dupesh]

Undergrad studying literature, philosophy, and mathematics. i dabble in some areas of science and did a bunch of reserach on einstein, astronomy, and astrology. i also am privy to native american culture outside of the typical view of them being "savage"..... i run my own pool cleaning business in the summer and a pizza delivery when i come home for break. those are my credentials. lets jive. i commend all of your credibility and look foward to learning more than anything, most likely because i'm sure my logic isn't as fine tuned as most of y'all edumacated folks. oh well thats me adios kansas.....

[ninewands]

I am an energetic materials specialist - which basically means I fool around with military explosives and weapon systems.
Things that go "BOOM!" really loudly are SO cool. :D

[Dlx2]

Even so, I am no great admirer of evolutionary theory. I find it to be a weakly constructed piece of work that seems to me of the "explain everything, predict nothing" variety.

Not really. As soon as you demonstrate common descent, you can start investigating evolution as a process that occurs in time, which allows you to investigate a number of rate parameters and actually test inferences about the effects of various selective and constraining forces on organisms. This is just as scientific as investigating mechanisms in chemistry, physics, etc.

The problem is, far too many people are stuck on the whole "oh, evolution is the mechanism for diversity" and completely ignore the fact that science is concerned with how evolution shapes diversity. Your own ignorance in the matter is understandable, but you should keep your mind open before declaring it "weakly constructed."

[RBH]

Erm, guys, there's a 'content' thread on this here (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=197679).

RBH

[IronOne]

My credentials:

I am a mature person with a high IQ, some college education, and I know the Creator personally. lol I have researched both evolution theory, creationism extensively.

[Sven]

My credentials:

I am a mature person with a high IQ, some college education, and I know the Creator personally. lol
Lol back at you. I also think it's funny to believe in a creator. :p

I have researched both evolution theory, creationism extensively.
May I ask which sources you used?

[Oolon Colluphid]

May I ask which sources you used?
Not in this thread. :p

[Peez]

(deleted)

[RAFH]

Aloha Kids, I'm RAFH, Robot Architect From Hell. I don't have any formal education, training or experience in anything to do with evolution. I don't think there is such for creation so I guess that doesn't matter. The best thing I could say is I have a general idea of how much I don't know. The one thing I am relatively sure of is there's no supernatural or if there is its irrelevant.

I've been interested in Evolution, Geology, Physics and Science in general all my life. I like to figure out how things work. I'm also keen on history. Lastly, I am amazed by almost everything, sometimes good amazed (generally nature), sometimes bad amazed (usually stuff people do).

[chrisharrison]

I guess I should add myself here, even though I'll be using much more of my mouse than keyboard on this forum.

I'm a freshman at UT in Austin. My major is biology and I plan to focus on evolution.

I first became interested in evolutionary science due to intelligent design and the surrounding "controversy". I became so interested that I ended up changing my major from economics to biology. So here I am, a little over a year later, with my bookshelf stuffed full of On the Origin of Phyla, The Ancestor's Tale, The Making of The Fittest and a host of other books on evolution.
My (modest) blog is www.interrogatingnature.blogspot.com

[RBH]

Nice post on ERVs, Chris.

RBH

[chrisharrison]

Thanks RBH.

[pkostrze]

I have a B.S. in Anthropology with concentrations in Archaeology and Museum Curation. I, of course, am currently employed as a Computer Systems Analyst for one of the Big Three... I was accepted to the University of Arkansas for a M.S. in Archaeology/Museum Studies but funds ran out :(

Anyway, inasmuch as I can remember my undergrad days, I'm somewhat qualified to discuss Evolution vs. ID. Although the credentials I'm seeing posted here surely dwarf mine... hopefully I don't put my foot in it too often.

[ninewands]

Aloha Kids, I'm RAFH, Robot Architect From Hell. I don't have any formal education, training or experience in anything to do with evolution. I don't think there is such for creation so I guess that doesn't matter. The best thing I could say is I have a general idea of how much I don't know.
<SNIP>
That is the sure sign of an intelligent and highly perceptive mind in my book.

[ninewands]

I have a B.S. in Anthropology with concentrations in Archaeology and Museum Curation. I, of course, am currently employed as a Computer Systems Analyst for one of the Big Three... I was accepted to the University of Arkansas for a M.S. in Archaeology/Museum Studies but funds ran out :(

Anyway, inasmuch as I can remember my undergrad days, I'm somewhat qualified to discuss Evolution vs. ID. Although the credentials I'm seeing posted here surely dwarf mine... hopefully I don't put my foot in it too often.
Heck, don't worry about it ... I don't ... if I screw up too badly the big kids fix it and I get to learn. :D

[ShadowGryffindor]

Hey there, everyone. :wave: Well, I've been lurking in this forum for a while and joined here in January, and this is the first time I noticed this thread. :blush:

I think that finding this forum was quite advantageous for me, as I have learned quite a bit reading the posts by the experts here.

Anyway, I am a college student, currently attending Colorado School of Mines. I'm finishing my sophomore year here on my way to a B.S. in Geological Engineering (probably going to go for a M.S. later on).

I know enough of the basics to hold a conversation, but most of my knowledge on the subject of evolution is self-taught. Horse, whale, and tetrapod evolution interest me the most.

[bilby]

Hi all,

For the record, I have UK 'A' Levels in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

I started a BSc in Molecular Biology, but dropped out after attempting to prove to destruction the precise tolerance of the human brain to continuous exposure to high levels of ethanol.

I now work in the pharmaceutical industry, mostly on planning and scheduling of factory resources, and on economic and accounting modeling.

I have a strong interest in the use of 'evolutionary' algorithms to solve problems involving large multidimensional phase spaces; This application of selection gives a pretty strong insight into just how much change systems can undergo in a short time given even fairly small selection pressures.

[Vivo]

Hey there. Wow, some intimidating credentials up in here. :notworthy:

I graduated highschool, poorly, last year. I've spent time since soaking up the atheist web community, organizing my life, working some jobs, applying for university, and building up my motivation. I also had a brief stint in the Canadian Military, which resulted in a swift voluntary release (haha).

I guess you could say, I have no actual credentials, but I'm a generally honest dude, who I can objectively describe as not-stupid. I took some biology30 in Grade12 (boooooring), but dropped it for creative writing (which disappointed, cause it was infested with emos. I wrote about vikings, they wrote about feelings).

I have web-duel experience, having invaded a fundy forum and schmucked the bajeezus outuv 'em. I was banned promptly.

[Betenoire]

Just in case I ever actually post anything that might need credentials to back it up...

Education: B.A. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado (and one course shy of adding a Biochem minor onto it)
Currently working in the pharma field, looking to go do grad work either in Molecular Bio or History/Philosophy of Science. And, oh yeah, lifelong science geek.

[TrevorG]

I guess I can throw this in here too, though wow, do I feel vastly underqualified.

B.A. in History with minors in Sociology and Religion from Wake Forest University.
Completing my M.S in Information Technology Management from UNC-Greensboro this fall, and contemplating finishing my M.A. in Criminology from the same school.

[KeithJM]

I don't have any professional credentials to speak of yet. I'm currently an undergraduate at USC, majoring in Biology, with plans to attain my Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology.

I've been doing my own study of the topic for several years now. What first got me into it was reading The Ancestor's Tale by Richard Dawkins. Until then, I hadn't realized how fascinating zoology, evolutionary biology, etc. could be. Since then, I've read hundreds of books, papers, and websites on genetics, ecology, zoology, ethology, evolutionary biology, biochemistry, you name it.

I'm one of those type of people that are never satisfied with what I do know, for me, the thrill is about finding out things you don't know, and challenging your own perceptions as often as possible.

[exapted]

I'm happy to see so many people here who have put their personal energies into science. I will come here to learn, and I will chime in when I think my question applies.

I have a BS in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics, and I dropped out of a MS program in Computer Science. I'm considering going back and working towards a PhD or MS in Computer Science or Statistics. I'm very interested in causality and machine learning. Currently I'm a code slinger for cash.

I've taken an undergrad course in evolutionary biology, and I've read Darwin's Dangerous Idea and The Blind Watchmaker. I speak conversational Cantonese and am working on Mandarin. I enjoy oil painting. I'm an avid player of Go and Chess.

And I'm an all around jerk, due to stress. I apologize in advance. Seriously.

[Mike PSS]

I'm a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Univ. of Minnesota. I was in the Air Force before that and took the GI Bill after 6.5 years in (all overseas in Europe). I've worked in heavy industry ever since (Sulfuric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Phosphate Products, Oilseed Processing, and many various process plants). After 10 years I'm still engaging quite a bit of knowledge from school in my work.

I came to PT and AtBC because my brother let me know of it's existance. My moniker PSS stands for:
Professor
Steve
Sibling
since he's on the NCSE Professor Steve list.

[A.Sphere]

Graduate student working toward PhD in mathematical physics researching the theory of nonlinear acoustics in moving inhomogeneous media - hopefully I will be done in about two more years.

[deadman_932]

Archaeologist with a master's from University of Calif., specializing in North American prehistory; Southwest U.S. and Sonoran Mexico.

[unrealist42]

I am a professional antagonist with studies in Math, Economics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Political Science, Sociology, Marine Science and Engineering, Music Theory, Anarchism, Conflict Resolution, Religion, Drug and Alcohol Abuse and the Grateful Dead.

Due to my admittedly scattered interests, and the expiration (in my mind) of many previously earned college credits, I have been unable/disinterested to find an institution willing to grant me my advanced degrees without forking over serious cash money which they do not deserve. Besides, I am too old to care about that anymore.

Nevertheless, I chose my path and then wandered off it repeatedly, continually distracted by more interesting prospects. I have been places and seen things and talked to many interesting fanatical people of many beliefs.

You never learn so much as talking with a fanatic one on one with an open mind and no agenda except "What is he thinking?"

I have been off the beaten path and trampled beneath it. I have strode across it like a god and slinked across it like a fugitive.

I have Experienced Life.
These are my credentials.

[johny mac]

I have a BS in agriculture with a major in horticulture with an emphasis on plant Breeding and genetics.

I am currently a high school science teacher, and though I teach chemistry and physics, I constenly explain what evolution is all about, and flaunt my athieism whenever I can.

[Pantrog]

A religious upbringing, a medical degree (MB.ChB), a Molecular Biology BSc. and, if I can write this thesis rather than contributing to online fora, a DPhil in Human Genetics, particularly genetic susceptibility to infectious disease.

I also have a link to wikipedia on my home page which is generally far more useful. To quote the good Dr. Johnson:

"Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information on it."

[Chynna]

Woo! What an elite group. I go to high school --- i majored in make up, cereal definition, utilizing 3 remotes at once and maintaining good hair. I play a great back hand at tennis, can kick a ball 30 metres and can throw a golf stick further than I can hit a golf ball. Please love me! LOL

[Ray Moscow]

I'm a chemical engineer who likes to read science.

I have no qualifications in the biological sciences, but I find them fascinating anyway.

I have a religious background but basically read myself free of it.

Ray

[tjakey]

Damn, I'm going to quit posting on this board. I'm an airplane driver, flight instructor and mechanic; ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, A&P, IA with type ratings in the EMB110P1, CL-65 and C-500. I have about 6 collage credits to my name...but I did carry a 4.0 average for those 3 classes.

[Tao of Pooh]

Woo! What an elite group. I go to high school --- i majored in make up, cereal definition, utilizing 3 remotes at once and maintaining good hair. I play a great back hand at tennis, can kick a ball 30 metres and can throw a golf stick further than I can hit a golf ball. Please love me! LOL

Don't feel bad. I dropped out of high school and now work a dead-end job on the graveyard shift :D




I'm out of my mind...please leave a message.

[tonyJ]

Well guys and gals, I've quickly skimmed through this thread and I now know what I have long suspected. Yup I am a genuine moron. I found no artists here so her goes, I have a BA (hons) in Pure illustration from Manchester (UK) and a PGCE post grad from Birmingham (UK) so that makes me a qualified hippie art teacher with no science background. derrrr... But not teaching at the moment.
I paint astronomical art and a little sf to taste. My last painting was of a red giant engulfing it's planetary system ,for example. I also paint dinosaurs. They are most definitely NOT in the garden of eden in my pics. I could quickly tell when I found this forum that I was in superior company.

[Bruce Beckman]

BS in Physics from the California Institute of Technology, MS in the Management of Technology from MIT/Sloan School of Management. 30 years experience in medical device R&D holding positions from bottle washer to CEO.

[Tim Thompson]

Don't feel bad. I dropped out of high school and now work a dead-end job on the graveyard shift :D
At the Coffin Mine in the Funeral Mountains of Death Valley?:devil1:

[Theropod]

I am a 53 year old college dropout. Dig this. My major was "Bible in religious Ed". I pastored a church or two. I figured "it" was all a lie about 20+ years ago. I went on organized dino digs, read like a fool and eventually was Executive Director of a small Natural and Cultural history museum. I developed a technique to reassemble a shattered fossil , such as and Ankylosaur tooth, using just the tips of dental picks that was quite successful. I loved field work more, but lab work was a close second, and it's hard to find fossils buried in snow. I worked under the instruction of a PhD and learned by continually reading.

I may never be active in science again, but with palo every rock one finds could be a treasure.

While paleo is my first love many other fields are wonders and will save us from ourselves, or not.

Anyway, thanks for having me.
RogerS

[Shinobi Mystic]

I have a B.A. in anthropology and an M.A. in sociology, both from UTEP. I teach sociology part time at EPCC. I was formerly a fundie and a YEC until immense amounts of reading liberated me from that about 7 years ago. I work full time as a background investigator for the Department of Homeland Security. I am a green belt in ninjutsu and classify myself religiously as a mystic. (hence the username)

[BH]

I have a B.S. in History from the University of Texas. I also made it about half way through a graduate program in the same subject. I love to learn even if I can't do anything professionally with the knowledge. It's nothing for me to look up a grad reading list on the net in a subject that I am interested in and read thirty or forty books.

[Aaron SF]

Well I've always said "If you want to be smarter, surround yourself with people who are smarter than you!" LOL

I have two years of undergrad in Microbiology and a Year in Music-Composition (double major I'm insane)

I've won a couple scholarships from the GSDBA.

Been performing music since I was young, among my portfolio, the International Aids Memorial.

Volunteered in non-profit fund-raising for years.

Dabble in lots of writing projects, and took some private courses in Wildlife Photography.

My drag name is Ambrosia Glass.

;)

[Tao of Pooh]

Don't feel bad. I dropped out of high school and now work a dead-end job on the graveyard shift :D
At the Coffin Mine in the Funeral Mountains of Death Valley?:devil1:
With a skeleton crew! :Cheeky:




You know everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects.

[VoxRat]

My undergraduate major was Chemistry (Pomona College)
(Now that I think about it, I can't actually remember whether that's B.A. or B.S.
I didn't save - let alone frame - my diploma.
But a small liberal arts college probably only offers a B.A., right? Whatever the hell difference it makes...)
After way too much circumflatulation, I got a PhD in biochemistry (University of California, Davis). Though, by the time I got it, the program had morphed into "Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology" - or some such thing. (Again - I don't have my diploma handy, though I'm pretty sure I know where this one is)
I've been working in virology/biochemistry/molecular biology/immunology ever since.

[budgie]

Incredible credentials everyone.

I gained a couple of degrees from a seedy dive in Iowa City. (that's in Iowa, folks)

My only claim to fame is that I've met Joe Meert in person. :)
And I played a minor role in the Unabomber saga.

Let's see if I can read my diploma - ah yes,
B.S. in Microbiology with a Chemistry minor built right in,
Ph.D. in Biochemistry,
post-doc experience at UC-Davis and USC.
Teaching experience up the rectum.
Approximately 16 years of research with papers covering free radicals, cancer, aging, oxidation, and atherosclerosis, published in fly-by-night journals such as The Journal of Biological Chemistry, FRBM, Lipids, and so forth.

I am currently on assignment at a small liberal arts college in Oskaloosa, Iowa teaching evolution to creationist wanna-be's. (Division Chair of Health and Life Sciences (PE and Biology), I am the Chemistry Department, going for rank this year - tenure granted a couple of years ago)

I don't currently have a research project, or the time - unless I give up IIDB :Cheeky: . I guess that means I'm not a real scientist right now, although I do teach the capstone course in Biology in which I oversee all of the student projects.

-jim

GO HAWKEYES

[RBH]

I don't currently have a research project, or the time - unless I give up IIDB . I guess that means I'm not a real scientist right now, although I do teach the capstone course in Biology in which I oversee all of the student projects.Nope, you're a real scientist, just as much as I was when I was teaching in a small liberal arts college. It's folks like you who are on the front lines, fighting the good fight.

RBH

(And being from Minnesota, with a Ph.D. from the U of Minn, I'm not even sure where Iowa is. :D)

[fanucon]

Hmm as in college.

2 Year trade school for Residential wiring

I now make the machines that refuel nuclear reactors.

I'm more of a fringe science guy, i focus on magnetism and do my own research daily as I believe that you can gain as much knowledge on a subject by study as you can by schooling. (but I needed a piece of paper to help me get better jobs.)

I also study common points between Moral Abrahamic Religions.

[fanucon]

I don't currently have a research project, or the time - unless I give up IIDB . I guess that means I'm not a real scientist right now, although I do teach the capstone course in Biology in which I oversee all of the student projects.Nope, you're a real scientist, just as much as I was when I was teaching in a small liberal arts college. It's folks like you who are on the front lines, fighting the good fight.

RBH

(And being from Minnesota, with a Ph.D. from the U of Minn, I'm not even sure where Iowa is. :D)

<-- Shoreview

[GolfVixen]

Well, I have a BS in Zoology from the Univ. of Okla. I'm currently finishing my degree in Biochemistry while applying to grad schools. I've worked in a genetics lab, focusing on transcription factors, received grant funding for ecological research in an EPA superfund site, co-authored a paper regarding minority representation in the student bodies and faculties of the top 100 NSF funded schools, and am currently working on carbon nanotubes thanks to another grant I received. So in short, I'm a jack of all trades, master of none. ;)

[Dutch_labrat]

I won't be as impressive as most. I have some medical lab qualifications but I have no idea how they translate to international standards. They include hematology, clinical chemistry and immunology. I have some experience in microbiology too. In fact I have a very wide experience in all kinds of jobs. I am at the age where initial education gets less importance as experience and achievements are more telling.

These days my pay slip calls me a senior biotechnician. I work for a pharmaceutical biotech company, part of the J&J family, here in Leiden.

[notta_skeptic]

I have a BS in microbiology with a minor in biochemistry from Penn State, a BS in secondary education / biology from Penn State, and an MA from University of Phoenix in curriculum & technology. Worked in multiple microbiology/biochem labs at Penn State before returning to become a science teacher. I taught HS and middle school for 13 years. I now work as a consultant on science education in a US federal research & development agency, helping to write science curriculum based on cutting-edge research findings. Am in the middle of writing my first book on science teaching for new teachers.

[VoxRat]

I have a BS in microbiology with a minor in biochemistry from Penn State, a BS in secondary education / biology from Penn StateJust out of curiosity, how does that work? Did you get two BS's concurrently, or was that two four-year courses, or what?

[notta_skeptic]

I have a BS in microbiology with a minor in biochemistry from Penn State, a BS in secondary education / biology from Penn StateJust out of curiosity, how does that work? Did you get two BS's concurrently, or was that two four-year courses, or what?
Went to college two separate times for two separate BS degrees. I took time off to raise a family.

[Lunartaffy]

I have a B.S. and an M.S. in biology from the University of Central Missouri, and I am currently teaching high school science in a Kansas public school!

I'm undermining the system from within. :devil1:

[RBH]

I have a B.S. and an M.S. in biology from the University of Central Missouri, and I am currently teaching high school science in a Kansas public school!

I'm undermining the system from within. :devil1:I admire those of you who are out there doing that job. I wouldn't last 20 minutes in a high school classroom.

[taenia]

Credentials -- finishing up a BA at the university of colorado in ecology & evolutionary biology, ongoing undergraduate paleontology research into crocodylian origins & evolution as well as systematics, both molecular and morphological.

Nohin' shiny, I'm afraid.

[alvinthegreat]

Getting my GED from Alabama School of Fine Arts (in Birmingham, AL)
15 years old - Taking AP Biology right now (first year college biology), took AP Chemistry...yeah...not really good credentials lol :)
think i'm the youngest person in the forum...

[RBH]

Getting my GED from Alabama School of Fine Arts (in Birmingham, AL)
15 years old - Taking AP Biology right now (first year college biology), took AP Chemistry...yeah...not really good credentials lol :)
think i'm the youngest person in the forum...Don't worry -- we all were there once. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately!), some of us can't remember that far back. :D

RBH

[histo]

MS in developmental biology; studied limb regeneration in Tiger salamanders.
PhD in comparative endocrinology and three years post-doc in fetal pulmonary electrophysiology. Presently, a Prof in college teaching human anatomy and physiology amongst other courses.
Histo

[RBH]

Welcome to Infidels, histo.

RBH

[Ivy Mike]

BS in aeronautical science.

U.S. Navy Aircrewman on P-3 ORIONs for 14 years-and-counting doing anti-submarine warfare. Specialist on oceanic sound travel and use of airborne passive and active SONAR equipment.

Naval Instructor and Master Training Specialist. For the uninitiated, that's about as close to being a "professor" as us lowly Enlisted Sailors can get.

Not much compared to most here, but I can handle science pretty well.

[RBH]

Hey, nothing wrong with being an enlisted sailor!

RBH (former FTM-2)

[hungrymark]

Well what an intelligent forum. For want of any better place to introduce myself this seems as good a place as any. I have a BSc in Microbiology/Immunology, a PhD in artificially-directed evolution of RNA and ribozymes and a casual interest in all the things that this place seems to be about. I look forward to contributing more once I've had a good read!

[ninewands]

Welcome to the infidel hungrymark. We'll look forward to your contributions eagerly.

[molecanthro]

Hello all...I signed up for this forum a while back but I don't think that I ever posted anything and was busy moving to a new country. I did my BSc with a double major in Anthropology and Biology and a concentration in genetics/biotechnology at Middle TN State Uni and then a MSc in Primate Conservation at Oxford Brookes Uni in England..then research on ancient dna and horse genetics. Now I'm working on a PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig.

And, of course, being from Tennessee...I have a major tie to the creationism/ID and evolution fight.

[Coragyps]

Hi, molecanthro! I meant to welcome you days ago but got sidetracked. Interesting blend of training you have there! We look forward to tapping some of your knowledge here.

[Sven]

Update to my credentials:
Since July, 25th, I possess the German "Zweites Staatsexamen" and am allowed to teach chemistry and physics at German "Gymnasien" (roughly equivalent to high school, the kids are between 1 and 20 years old).

I've taught classes for eight weeks now, and it's fun! Hopefully, this will continue until I'll retire... in about 35 years. :)

But it means that I'm rather busy and will not be able to post often until I get accustomed to this job.

[VoxRat]

Update to my credentials:
Since July, 25th, I possess the German "Zweites Staatsexamen" and am allowed to teach chemistry and physics at German "Gymnasien" (roughly equivalent to high school, the kids are between 1 and 20 years old).

I've taught classes for eight weeks now, and it's fun! Hopefully, this will continue until I'll retire... in about 35 years. :)

But it means that I'm rather busy and will not be able to post often until I get accustomed to this job.Any advice for the best ways to teach physics and chemistry to the 1-year olds?

:D

[TheUnbeliever]

I'm finishing degrees in English and Philosophy at Duke University (graduating in three weeks). While I have a strong math/science background and am tremendously interested in the Evolution/Creation controversy, I don't have a whole lot of university training in chemistry or biology. My concentration in philosophy is metaphysics, particularly philosophy of physics (I just wrote a senior thesis on Zeno's paradoxes of motion in a theory of discrete space) and special topics in metaphysics (e.g. the existence of God).

[Sven]

Any advice for the best ways to teach physics and chemistry to the 1-year olds?
:D
:p

Of course this should have been 11 years.

[JuliaLink]

Well.....it's complicated.

Dropped out of high school; 1972.
Dropped out of college; 1975.
Was awarded doctorate (DVM) in veterinary medicine spring of 1980.

Practiced in (several) emergency rooms from 1980 to 1986. Burned out and started working nights and schooling days.

Graduated BS mechanical engineering sometime in 1989.

Currently designing/producing packaging machinery.
Lapsed Unitarian
Private pilot w/ commercial glider rating
Ordained in Church of Spiritual Humanism 2002 (trappings cost $39 then).

Hope I don't blow current gig. With my history, who would hire me?

:wave: