Leslie Wickman Named New CRIS Director
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Wickman, who came to APU from RAND, envisions promoting and supporting faculty and student scientific research and integrating the research into the on-campus educational experience. She intends to seek funding to develop faculty research and programs. Her own research interests lie in the areas of life and space sciences.
"I think that we, as a Christian educational institution, have a wonderful platform for equipping both faculty and students to defend their faith through science," Wickman said. "So many Christians shy away from engaging in discussions of scientific discoveries out of fear of conflict or lack of knowledge. In reality, there can be no conflict between true science and true theology, since God is the Source of all truth; the only conflicts come from errors in human interpretation. We need to educate people on the manifold evidence of God's handiwork discovered through science in the universe of nature that surrounds us."
David Weeks, Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, offered high praise for the center's new director. "Dr. Wickman is a talented researcher who brings to CRIS a vision to greatly expand research opportunities for fellow faculty members and undergraduate students," Weeks said. "Her varied background and interests coupled with her energy and enthusiasm will be a tremendous asset to CRIS."
Wickman received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Willamette University, Salem, Oregon, concentrating in international relations, math, and science. She earned her master's degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering and Ph.D. in Human Factors and Biomechanics at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California.
