Initiative Category: Biology

As humans, it is our nature to try to separate out Creation. But according to Sandra Biedron ’94, research professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of New Mexico, “There is only one model of the universe, it is the universe. Or, as my aunt, a retired Professor of Anatomy and Physiology and Nursing, says, ‘All systems work together.’”

Biedron, who graduated from Trinity with a double major in chemistry and biology and a mathematics minor before earning her Ph.D. in accelerator physics from Lund University in Switzerland, returned to campus as part of a recent lecture for Cooperativity Club.

She shared insights into analytical research tools that discover and help Creation, including the systems that make them whole. She also discussed how she brings her faith to her work and interests, which include particle accelerator systems, laser systems, using artificial intelligence in controls, modelling and predicting complex systems, sensors and detectors, and applying these technologies in science, security and defense. “We all have a calling,” she said. “Some of us head into science, technology, and engineering. I think we were given the gift to explore and leverage Creation. We need analytical tools to do this, as we cannot see alone things with our eyes.”

And we are all created differently, Biedron said. So, she urged the students and others in attendance to collaborate as a way to practice faith and to do the right thing every day. “Hold hands to solve problems,” she said. “Use this to bridge areas of science as well as people. Be mindful also of different viewpoints and faith.”

OPUS,  Trinity’s annual festival of student scholarship, is taking place on Wednesday, April 20.  The word “opus” is Latin for work. Whether it’s the arts & humanities, natural & applied sciences, or social sciences, students from all disciplines can present their work or attend this annual celebratory conference.

We invite you to attend OPUS 2022 and imagine the possibilities of your own OPUS!

OPUS SCHEDULE

12:30-12:45             OPUS Parade

12:45-1:15               Opening Ceremony

1:30-4:15                 Student Presentations

4:30-5:15                 Presentation Showdown

All students are given the opportunity to enter into a competition for all solo and group presentations. Top scorers advance to the Presentation Showdown where they give a 5-minute summary of their presentation in front of their peers and additional judges.

4:30-6:30                 Trinity Trolldown Dinner in the Dining Hall

5:00-6:00                 Dunk Tank Fundraiser for Ukraine

6:00-7:30                 Raffle & Closing Ceremony

7:30-8:30                 Senior Student/OPUS Art Reception

6:30-8:30                 GRUMPUS Graduate OPUS

9:00-10:00               Outcry

Special Thank you!

The Trinity Christian College community is grateful to alumni Yvette Madany (’85) and Peter Madany (’82), who generously provided financial support to underwrite expenses for OPUS 2022.

The OPUS 2022 committee is also grateful for the support of Trinity administration, faculty, and staff, including the departments of admissions, student life, physical plant, audio-visual services, information technology services, marketing and communications, and Creative Dining.

OPUS Committee Members

Brian Cerney

Inglebert Christiansen (Student Graphic Designer)

Sarah Hoeksema (co-chair)

Jeff Nyhoff

Mary LoGalbo

Deb Majewski (co-chair)

Katie Oomkes

Julianna Padilla (Student Government Representative)

Aron Reppmann

Omar Sweiss

Kevin Schenke

Maura Sukamto (Student Graphic Designer)

A Bachelor’s Degree from Trinity Christian College prepares students to flourish in their careers and vocations. And our graduates are well-prepared. According to data from Trinity’s Cooper Center for Vocation and Career Development, 97.7 percent of the graduates in the Class of 2021 are employed or in graduate school. That far surpasses the nationwide average of 82.4 percent. 

Each year, Trinity seeks career outcome data from new alumni. For 2020-’21 degree conferrals, 82.1% of graduates are employed, 15.1% are enrolled in graduate school, and one is serving the United States in the military.  

“We are excited to see our students successfully launch into their life after Trinity and continue to make meaningful contributions in the world,” said Director of Vocation and Career Development Jeff Timmer. “This metric is just one way that Trinity demonstrates how it prepares students for positive engagement in their communities and for contributions to the Kingdom.” 

Companies that employ recent Trinity graduates include Amazon, BDO USA, Chicago Public Schools, La Rabida Children’s Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Topel Forman. 

The class of 2021 has a range of job titles, reflecting the diversity and depth of Trinity’s liberal arts education: medical surgical/oncological nurse; special education teacher; art therapist; communications coordinator; graphic designer; tax associate; internal events coordinator; pastor; business analyst; baseball coach; police officer; and occupational therapy technician, among others. 

Trinity graduates are also pursing further education at the graduate level at institutions such as Duke Divinity School, John Marshall Law School, Northwestern University, Rush University, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  

Avery Johnson ’21, is currently attending Duke Divinity School in Durham, N.C., and she cited the support she received from Trinity in helping her on her journey.  “I couldn’t have gotten this far without the help of the Trinity’s staff and professors,” said Johnson, who double majored in Biblical Studies and Communication Arts at Trinity and plans to become an ordained minister. 

For more information about Trinity’s 98% placement rate, visit Trinity’s Cooper Center for Vocation & Career Development. 

Academic advising can be challenging and exhausting. But Professor of Biology Clay Carlson loves it. Because Trinity’s once-a-semester Advising Days are where students share their stories.

Carlson recently explained why he views serving as an academic advisor as a privilege in a blog post for Christian Scholars Review, “The gifts of advising day.”

“In short, Advising Day could be seen as an administrative burden, a bureaucratic intrusion into the academic project of the semester,” Carlson wrote. “Instead, I see in it nothing but gifts. The gift of a moment of reflection on the path we have taken. The gift of an opportunity to contemplate vocation and meaning. And most importantly, a gift to both advisee and advisor of our shared humanity.”

You can read Carlson’s entire post here.

An education from Trinity Christian College doesn’t just change lives—our graduates go on to change the world. And the life-changing value of a Trinity education has once again been recognized by U.S. New and World Report, which named Trinity to several of its “best” lists for 2022, including among the Top 20 Regional Colleges Midwest and #15 for social mobility. And in U.S. News’ inaugural ranking, Trinity’s nursing program has been ranked among the top 300 of all undergraduate nursing programs in the United States. 

U.S. News uses multiple criteria for its highly regarded rankings. To be named among the “Best Colleges,” Trinity was rated for its graduation and retention rates; social mobility; academic reputation; student selectivity; financial resources; alumni giving; and graduate debt, among other factors. 

“I am confident that, under the tutelage of a talented and dedicated faculty, Trinity students work hard and learn well as they prepare for a lifetime of opportunity and service,” said President Kurt D. Dykstra. “While no one set of data can measure that kind of transformative experience in full, it is gratifying to, once again, be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top college in the Midwest.” 

Trinity’s performance on social mobility deserved its own category, according to U.S. News, which looked at Trinity’s ability to enroll and graduate students from less-advantaged backgrounds. U.S. News also recognized Trinity’s undergraduate nursing program. (see “U.S. News Recognizes BSN Program among Best in Country”) 

“We are honored and excited to be recognized as an institution that excels at making a college education possible for students from all backgrounds,” said Provost Aaron Kuecker, Ph.D. “This recognition is the result of the significant dedication of an excellent faculty and staff – but, most truly, it is a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and amazing gifts of Trinity’s students. It is such a privilege to serve the students who come to Trinity to learn, to be challenged, to be transformed, and to discover the joy of their vocation.”  

Along with the U.S. News rankings, Trinity is frequently recognized by many organizations for preparing students for a world that needs them. The College’s honors include being named a “College of Distinction;” routinely ranked the best BSN programs in the state of Illinois; part of the “National Strength and Conditioning Association Education Recognition Program;” and a “best value” among special education programs. 

At Trinity, small class sizes and dedicated professors allow for the kinds of hands-on research that many undergraduates don’t get at larger institutions. These sorts of experiences lead to extraordinary opportunities.

As one example, three Trinity alumni, Laura DeVries ‘20, Cara Horstman ‘18, and Marie (Sonnenburg) Fossell ‘19, along with Professor of Biology Clay Carlson, Ph.D., recently published an article in a peer-reviewed journal, based on research they conducted during their time at Trinity.

The article, “Ingestion of Bifidobacterium longum (changed to italics) changes miRNA levels in the brains of mice,” was published in the April issue of PLOS One. Their research investigated the relationship between the microbiota of the gastrointestinal system, behavioral characteristics related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, and relative gene expression of miRNAs in the brain. ​Their works makes a connection between a beneficial probiotic and changes in the brain.

“​This project was possible because each of my coauthors spent years working hard in the lab and because of their hard work we have learned something new about the world. I am so proud of each of them,” said Carlson.

Every year, Trinity accepts extraordinary students who are dedicated to making a difference in the world. And among each freshman class, the College welcomes two Founders’ Scholars, whose extraordinary spiritual, academic, and social leadership sets them apart. Trinity is pleased to announce our most recent Founders’ Scholars for the incoming class of 2025, Tyren Brown of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Kara Van Dyke of Fishers, Ind. As Founders’ Scholars, Brown and Van Dyke have both been awarded full-tuition scholarships to the College.

Brown, who attends Chesapeake Math and IT Public Charter South in Upper Marlboro, plans to major in biology and play basketball at the College. He is involved in National Honor Society and the Congressional Leadership Program. Brown has also taken part in the Spanish ministry at his church, offering translation services to those who do not speak English as a native language.

Van Dyke attends Fishers High School and is active in the Students in Action service club, volunteers as a children’s ministry teacher, and participates in dance. She actively volunteers to help victims of human trafficking and plans to major in psychology as a way to help those who need healing.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tyren and Kara into the Trinity community this fall,” said Jeanine Mozie, director of admissions. “From our largest, most competitive pool of Founders candidates yet, they emerged from the group not only as exceptionally gifted students academically, but also as students who have great potential to shape this campus through their thoughtful leadership. The interview committee found both Tyren and Kara to be dedicated, passionate, and impressive students whose enthusiasm for others and commitment to community will make a lasting impact on this place.”

–By Christy Wolff ’10

While Amy (Bulthuis) Huckstep ‘09 grew up with a clear picture of what college would look like for her, she didn’t quite know which school she’d attend. Growing up near Trinity meant she was familiar with the campus, and after learning more about what Trinity had to offer, she knew she belonged there.

“I wanted to be somewhere small with a close environment of Christian educators and friends – all things I found at Trinity,” Huckstep shared.

Knowing she would major in science and ultimately attend graduate school, Huckstep was immediately drawn to Trinity’s state-of-the-art Heritage Science Center and the extracurricular activities offered, such as research opportunities (a helpful addition to her grad school applications) and being a part of smaller classes – allowing more involvement with professors.

One research opportunity involved studying rats with adult stem cells. Huckstep, two other students, and Professor of Biology Bob Boomsma ’77, Ph.D., undertook this two-year project that involved regenerating stem cells from aortas with the hope that there would be re-growth. “The research environment was huge in my learning process,” Huckstep said. “I do a lot of research in my job today, so it was helpful to have this foundation.”

During her junior and senior years, Huckstep enrolled in a class that studied the merging of Christianity and ethics within the science world. “Sometimes those subjects are categorized by themselves, but to bring them together and reason through science and your Christian worldview was really impactful for me,” Huckstep shared. “I might not have gotten that opportunity at a large university.”

After graduating from Trinity, Huckstep went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She found that Trinity prepared her well for further education, specifically by being challenged academically. “The professors at Trinity taught me to problem solve and learn the concepts to the right answers instead of just memorizing them,” Huckstep said.

She recalled leaving her doctoral classes each day thinking about our Creator and having a bigger perspective on what she was learning, in large part because of how Trinity influenced her during her college years.

Huckstep now works as a physical therapist at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and helps patients who have had a stroke or brain injury, or are living with diseases like Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis.

Two years ago, Huckstep and one of her colleagues worked with engineering students at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., to come up with improved ways of learning wheelchair skills. What came of this was the “Alligator Tail,” a harness that can easily be fashioned to a wheelchair and is designed to stop the wheelchair from falling backward while learning new skills, such as a wheelie.

The team desired to help patients with spinal cord injuries that had resulted in paralysis of the core and legs. Huckstep explained, “Unfortunately, insurance rarely covers enough time in therapy to effectively learn [how to perform a wheelie]. And if we spend all therapy time learning this task, we aren’t able to teach these patients how to do other tasks such as getting in and out of bed with paralysis, transferring from a bed to a wheelchair, sitting at the edge of the bed without assistance, etc.”

She went on to say, “The device was created to allow patients to get a device at home to practice with family safely, to improve repetitions and confidence, and to keep therapists safe in teaching these patients how to perform the task.”

As a result of her hard work, Huckstep’s name is listed on the device’s patent.

Today, there are five Alligator Tails being used for physical therapy needs at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final patent is still in process, which means they can’t be distributed to other facilities yet. The hope is to start the marketing and distribution process as soon as it’s safe to do so, with the goal of distributing these harnesses throughout the world.

Reflecting on her time at Trinity, Huckstep shared, “I love my job, I look forward to going to work each day, and I find motivation through my coworkers. God formed me and prepared me for what I’m doing today through my experiences at Trinity; this is all part of God’s plan designed for me.”

Trinity is pleased to announce that Ross Barz ‘21 has been named Trinity’s 2020  Lincoln Laureate. Barz will be honored in a virtual ceremony by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.  

The annual Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Ceremony recognizes excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities by seniors from each of the state’s four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from the community colleges in Illinois. 

Barz, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, said he was grateful and appreciative when Professor of Communication Arts Craig Mattson, Ph.D., told him he was this year’s recipient. “I knew it was a high honor,” he said. “It means even more that it was created in honor of Abraham Lincoln.”  

A native of Holland, Mich., Barz has taken on many roles at Trinity. He is serving his second year as President of the Trinity Student Government Association and is a two-time Thrive Student Intern. Barz also leads campus worship as a campus ministry leadership team member and is part of Trinity’s track and field team. 

Along with his activities, he works as a direct support professional with Bethshan Association in Palos Heights, where he provides care and follows the behavior program for residents with intellectual disabilities. Barz is also a student intern with Applied Occupational Care, Inc., in Chicago, where his duties include developing articles for users of a daily COVID-19 symptom screening application. 

Trinity’s nominating committee praised Barz’s integrity and leadership. “His warm, affable presence is known by everyone. However, while warm and affable, Ross is also convicted and compassionate. He has promoted voter registration throughout campus. He works as a direct support professional at a local home for residents with intellectual disabilities. He promotes involvement and raises up new leaders. Ross’ engagement in the classroom, his friendship toward his peers and his voice in the community demonstrate a commitment to the betterment of humanity that is simply outstanding.” 

Barz plans to attend medical school after graduating in May. As part of his interest in medicine, he took part in the Global Medical Fellowship in Athens, Greece, in 2019. 

Trinity Christian College Lincoln Laureates 

2019—Indira Escalante 

2018 – Mallory Boyce 

2017 – R. Josiah Rosario 

2016 – Courtney Kalous 

2015 – Hallie Wisse 

2014 – David (Woody) Lucas 

2013 – Megan Anderson 

2012 – Adam Perez 

2011 – Alberto LaRosa 

2010 – Joseph Wydra 

2009 – Jon Vander Woude 

2008 – Caitlin Fillmore 

2007 – Elizabeth VanderSpek 

2006 – Allison Backous 

2005 – Erin Marshalek 

2004 – Rachel Van Oort 

2003 – Yvana Hansen 

2002 – Evan VanderZee 

2001 – Nate Bosch 

2000 – Laurie Johnson 

1999 – Hanna Vancer Zee 

1998 – Kristen Devine 

1997 – Heidi Boeck 

1996 – Julie Tinklenberg 

1995 – Keri Dyksterhouse 

1994 – Mark Mulder 

1993 – Kristen Hart 

1992 – Sarah Ver Velde 

1991 – Aron Reppmann 

1990 – Nathan Van Der Male 

1989 – Drew Sweetman 

1988 – Erik Hoekstra 

1987 – Kimberly Dykema 

1986 – Edward Wiener, Jr.