Renowned Chemist to Speak on Asbury Campus

November 16, 2021

Today, Asbury University welcomes chemist, Dr. James Tour, for a special two-day visit to discuss the importance of the integration of faith and science.

Tour, who is a professor of Chemistry, Computer Science, Materials Science and Nanoengineering at Rice University in Houston, as well as being named among “The 50 most Influential Scientists in the World Today” and “Scientist of the Year” by R&D Magazine, will be sharing his gained knowledge through years of rigorous experience in academia.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Syracuse University, his Ph.D. in synthetic organic and organometallic chemistry from Purdue University and received exhaustive postdoctoral training in synthetic organic chemistry at the University of Wisconsin and Stanford University. Tour has contributed to approximately 650 research publications and has more than 200 patents. He was inducted into the National Academy of Investors in 2015.

Tour, who is explicit about his scientific work being connected to his faith, also offers private Zoom meetings for unbelievers who are interested in his faith story and want to learn more about the Christian faith. He also schedules weekly remote bible studies on Zoom for college students who desire to read and discuss the Bible.

In the Kinlaw Library Board Room at 8 p.m. on November 16, Tour will be with Asbury University President Dr. Kevin Brown to talk to students, faculty, and staff. The discussion will provide audience members with a brief biography and background of Tour’s experiences, explore concepts of the complimentary relationship between faith and science, and will include a live audience Q&A segment at the end of the discussion.

The special guest will attend coffee and fellowship with President’s National Advisory Council (PNAC) and will later be an honorary guest to the council’s inaugural meeting with Brown, immediately followed by Tour speaking to students in Hughes chapel.

Tomorrow evening, Tour will also interact with Asbury University Honors Program students at a casual pizza dinner, tour the new Collaborative Learning Center construction site, have lunch with Asbury science department leaders and the PNAC Science Focus Group, and dialogue with Science Senior Seminar Students.

Tour will also reflect on the importance of Asbury’s STEM programs through the lens of faith, as well as the liberal arts higher education offered at the university.