S9 E8 | Aria Saunders

Sometimes personal needs direct career choices, as MBU Assistant Professor Aria Saunders explains in this podcast episode. Aria pursued a master’s degree in science and biomedical engineering with an emphasis in assistive technologies and served as research coordinator in a lab specializing in developing medical equipment for people with disabilities. She focused her research primarily on type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease which she personally controls with technology. “I think,” she comments, “some of the best scientific discoveries are from people who have personal vested interests in finding better solutions.” Aria and host Dr. Davis compare their experiences on secular campuses, expressing surprise at tolerance of unbelieving classmates and of their curiosity toward Bible-believers. They also discuss isolation resulting from faith that contradicts campus philosophy and lifestyle. "Let your light so shine before men, “Aria recites as her life’s mission, “that others may see your good works and glorify your Father which is heaven”—an apropos goal for someone seeking to help others with medical assistance and now, as an instructor, equipping students to do the same.