One of the winners of the Physics prize this year (for pioneering laser
techniques to trap and cool atoms) is Bill Phillips of NIST's
Gaithersburg, Maryland lab. I've never met Dr. Phillips (we are far
apart in both specialty and geography), but I was encouraged by this line
in the congratulatory message from the NIST Acting Director:
>Those who meet
>Bill quickly discover that he is also a gentleman of the highest order.
>With equal enthusiasm he mentors high-school students and leads bible study
>sessions for children in his church.
I mentioned this to a friend (and fellow Christian) in the NIST Public
Affairs office back in Gaithersburg who has interacted with Dr. Phillips
some. She reports back that, while she has not discussed this with him,
it would not surprise her at all if he were a Christian. He is
apparently fairly involved in some church, and is reported to exhibit
exemplary kindness, generosity, and humility; my friend mentioned the
fruit of the spirit as being a good description of him.
Not that there would be anything magical about having a Christian
Nobelist, but it would be a small (probably overrated by some) symbol and
demonstration of how science and Christianity need not be enemies.
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| Dr. Allan H. Harvey | aharvey@boulder.nist.gov |
| Physical and Chemical Properties Division | Phone: (303)497-3555 |
| National Institute of Standards & Technology | Fax: (303)497-5224 |
| 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80303 | |
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| "Don't blame the government for what I say, or vice versa." |
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