B.A. Philosophy and Theology with a minor in Mathematics 2008
I graduated in 2008 with a double major in Theology and Philosophy and minor in Mathematics. My honors thesis was in theology: The Theology of John Ziziuoulas: Contributions to Anthropology.
Current Work: I live in Denver, Colorado and work as a contractor for HAIKU Learning Systems, Inc., an online learning company.
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Mathematics at the University of Utah. In particular, I am studying applied mathematics with a focus in mathematical biology, and my research involves building and analyzing a mathematical model of DNA methylation dynamics in somatic cells. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that is crucial for correct cell differentiation and is implicated in the development of many diseases. We hope to use our model to study how methylation patterns become perturbed in cancer cells.
During the past thirty five years, I have served the Church as priest and bishop.
The path to priesthood requires many years of graduate study. After ordination, a priest's pastoral responsibilities often entail a demanding schedule of writing, study, and public speaking.
As a former English major at Carroll College (Class of '72), I felt particularly well prepared for the demands of seminary, graduate school, and priestly ministry.
Dumbledore tells Harry Potter in The Chamber of Secrets that “it is our choices [. . .] that show what we truly are, more than our abilities.” I find many things of value in J.K. Rowling’s books, but the emphasis upon our choices really resonates with me, particularly given that my choice to attend Carroll College and major in English was something that I made with time. I chose Carroll primarily because of the speech and debate team, and I was originally a chemistry major. I loved chemistry, but after writing sonnets in organic chemistry lab, I realized that I truly belonged in English.
My favorite things about Helena are these things they call mountains. Not only do they provide an excellent backdrop for learning, but also they offer a multitude of outdoor opportunities which Carroll students love to take advantage of. The Valley provides a panoramic view from any part of the college. Looking out of my window, I can dream of going skiing, and I can make that a reality in a ½ hour drive.
B.S. Biology/B.A. Theology
I chose Theology as a major because I was interested in the development of ethical systems, including those rooted in scripture, historical social teaching, and developed from moral theology.
Helena native and Carroll graduate Emily Speranza is breaking the mold with her math and biology double major by pursuing a doctoral degree in a field she says is dominated by men.
In the fall, she is starting a fellowship, which includes full tuition and a stipend, at Boston University, where she will peruse a doctoral degree in a field called bioinformatics.
“It’s computational biology,” she said on a recent afternoon in Helena. She explained the field involves doing a lot of programming for data analysis, data mining and “basically doing biology on a computer.”
