Tripping Over the Mysteries of the Universe: Molecules, Particles and People

Ira Pastor, ideaXme life sciences ambassador and CEO Bioquark interviews Dr. Michelle Francl, the Frank B. Mallory Professor of Chemistry, at Bryn Mawr College, and an adjunct scholar of the Vatican Observatory.

Ira Pastor comments:

Today, we have another fascinating guest working at the intersection of cutting edge science and spirituality Dr. Michelle Francl is the Frank B. Mallory Professor of Chemistry, at Bryn Mawr College, a distinguished women’s college in the suburbs of Philadephia, as well as an adjunct scholar of the Vatican Observatory. Dr. Francl has a Ph.D. in chemistry from University of California, Irvine, did her post-doctoral research at Princeton University, and has taught physical chemistry, general chemistry, and mathematical modeling at Bryn Mawr College since 1986. In addition Dr. Francl has research interests in theoretical and computational chemistry, structures of topologically intriguing molecules (molecules with weird shapes), history and sociology of science, and the rhetoric of science. Dr. Francl is noted for developing new methodologies in computational chemistry, is on a list of the 1,000 most cited chemists, is a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling, is active in the American Chemical Society, and the author of "The Survival Guide for Physical Chemistry". In 1994, she was awarded the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award by Bryn Mawr College for excellence in teaching. She currently writes for Nature Chemistry on a range of topics including science, culture and policy, and in April 2016, was named one of nine adjunct scholars of the Vatican Observatory.

Dr. Francl was awarded the 2019 American Chemical Society's Philadelphia Section Award which recognizes an individual, "who, by conspicuous scientific achievement through research, has made important contributions to man's knowledge and thereby aided the public appreciation of the profession." Dr. Fancl also writes extensively on spirituality, and has many publications in print including, but not limited to: “Seeking the Face of God: The Lives and Discoveries of Catholic Scientists”, "Not By Bread Alone, Reflections on the Scriptures for Lent 2020", and the Forthcoming​ “Waiting in Joyful Hope, Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas”, and blogs at her website on "Quantum Theology" On this episode we will hear from Dr. Francl about: - Her background - How she developed an interest in science, in chemistry, and in the computational chemistry of "weird" / quantum structures - An overview of her work in the areas of theoretical / computational / quantum chemistry, also known as "molecular quantum mechanics", a branch of chemistry focused on the application of quantum mechanics in physical models and experiments of chemical systems - - Her role at the Vatican Observatory, as an adjunct scholar, studying the chemistry and material science of meteorites and working with issues of faith and science, from both a historical and philosophical perspective. - An overview of her work in the area of Quantum Theology, drawing parallels between the behavior of subatomic particles and the essence of spirituality - - Her research on the "contemplative mind" in advancing our understanding of both science and spirituality

Credits: Ira Pastor, ideaXme ambassador interview. Visit ideaXme www.radioideaxme.com

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