Childhood wonderment
As a child, Spencer Funk (’23) was inquisitive and curious, always asking questions and trying new experiments. One example stands out in his memory, and he shares, “From a young age, I was always exploring how the world worked. I remember dropping objects into a bowl of water in the bathtub to see if they would sink or float.” Now a TWU chemistry and biology graduate, Spencer was a pioneer in his family, with no family members having studied science before him—and this interest only grew with age.
A path redirected
Spencer’s love for God and his insatiable interest in science fueled big dreams. After a youth filled with science exploration and fascination, he had his mind set on becoming a doctor, specializing in brain surgery. With this goal in his sights, Spencer began studying at Trinity Western, which he found appealing because of the small size of the University community.
Spencer began his TWU studies with what he thought was a cemented career intention, but God had slightly different plans. After taking the MCAT standardized exam for entering medical studies, Spencer’s research interests changed. He explains, “I realized I loved learning about specifics of biological systems and how chemistry is involved in making the body function,” and with this realization, he decided to change his degree from just biology to chemistry and biology.
The power of community
Throughout his time at Trinity Western, Spencer found himself involved in activities ranging from drumming on a worship team to teaching labs—and many others in between. He was interested in collaboration—in research, in student life, and in fellowship. Almost everything he did required teamwork, and he found encouragement in this. “You have friends that are able to support you, and you're also able to get involved in research projects that you wouldn't be able to at other universities,” Spencer explains.
One research project Spencer worked on was in developing new chemotherapies to treat glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. This project took a lot of literature review and collaboration with peers, and Spencer recognizes how it required him “to rely on a team to build each other up,” adding, “and I think the same applies to all other areas of life.” With gratitude, Spencer states, “I think life is to be done in community, and I feel that's emphasized at Trinity Western.”
At TWU, Spencer cherished the opportunity to talk with fellow students a couple years ahead of him or with faculty from departments in which he was particularly interested. He explains that it was these connections that helped spur him on in his desire to glorify God through science, saying, “these people gave me a lot of inspiration and guidance and wisdom in steps that I should be taking as I move forward.”
On being the light
Now a TWU alumnus, Spencer still values community and his role within it. He shares, “Much like in science, life is a journey with crossroads and challenges that we need to overcome, but it's our response to these challenges that helps us define our journey,” and continues, “With our community around us, we can choose to make steps forward for growth and be able to overcome these challenges. . . .” When asked how he applies science to understanding the world, his answer is simple: “That's the challenge I want to pursue for God's glory.” After a pensive pause, Spencer adds, “Revealing God's glory through science. That's how I can be the light.”
Also see: TWU Spartans alumna Emma Gamache recognizes freedom in being the light
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.