"The entire world has experienced a mini crash course in the field of microbiology...Amidst all this, there is hope. The global scientific community has come together to share knowledge, geared at finding a solution. We have witnessed groundbreaking scientific achievements in the development of new-technology vaccines and at an unprecedented pace."
— Dr. Laura Onyango, Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Laura Onyango has a passion for science, and for teaching students at TWU. She earned her Ph.D. in microbiology at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and she currently teaches courses in biology and microbiology.
This month, TWU especially honours its women educators, ahead of the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11). Science and gender equality are part of the goals for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Currently, around the world, less than 30 per cent of researchers are women.
In the following interview, Dr. Onyango shares her journey of pursuing science and teaching.
Hi, professor Onyango! What inspired your passion for biology and microbiology?
While there are many factors that have guided my path here, my father in particular was quite influential in developing my interests into the sciences. He fanned the embers of my inquisitive mind by pointing me towards the scientific. Moreover, growing up in a Christian household, both Bible-based faith and sound scientific knowledge had fertile ground. As I read about the majestic splendour of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, I desired to understand the underlying mechanisms by which He created, and still maintains His creation today. I was particularly fascinated by this God who created the human body with such intricate detail, and who, amongst His many names, holds the title of Healer. At a very young age, I knew I desired to be a co-worker with this God who cared about the plight of human health and disease.
In what ways does your field of specialization benefit the world?
The microbial world is all around us, and though unseen, it influences every aspect of life – either favourably or unfavourably. As a stark example, the current global pandemic and its wide-reaching ramifications has well depicted this. The entire world has experienced a mini crash course in the field of microbiology via the range of public health recommendations and what these measures attempt to achieve in combating an unseen foe. Across the nations, there is heartbreaking devastation as the vulnerable succumb to this infectious agent. Amidst all this, there is hope. The global scientific community has come together to share knowledge, geared at finding a solution. We have witnessed groundbreaking scientific achievements in the development of new-technology vaccines and at an unprecedented pace.
What led you to come teach at TWU, and what are some of the highlights of teaching in this community?
God’s foreknowledge and direction is the simplest and shortest answer. One of the highlights of working in a faith-based community is sharing the "academic pulpit" with a range of highly talented and godly educators who share in the Father’s divine vision – His Kingdom be here on earth as it is heaven. Together we can make this a reality – one student at a time.
What words of encouragement do you have for students this semester?
Challenges are not meant to break us, but to mature and strengthen us. In God’s divine plan, enduring through these experiences provide stepping stones that propel us into our God-given destiny. (Isaiah 54:17; Proverbs 3:6; Romans 8:28)
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited 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 four campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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