From PCC to Doctoral Cancer Research

Premed grad Dan Devine (’06) is earning a Ph.D. in Basic Medical Sciences with emphasis in Cancer Biology from the University of South Alabama. Though he applied to the program in 2006, after praying and talking with mentors, he decided to postpone his studies and become a Christian school science teacher. He said, “I loved teaching and enjoyed it immensely, but the Lord continued to put a desire in my heart to further my education so I could have a greater impact in the world of science. As that desire grew, I began to search for options and applied to only one school, the University of South Alabama, where I was accepted.

“The application process for graduate school was relatively painless, and through it I learned that Christians need to be prepared for dialogue with people who have little to no biblical worldview. We must be like Daniel in Babylon, as he was able to excel in his position because of the wisdom given to him by God.

“The premed program at PCC prepared me for graduate school by giving me a solid foundation in the basic sciences. It also opened my eyes to the fascinating world of cellular and molecular biology when I took Biochemistry and Cell Biology courses. It was while I was taking these courses that God put a passion in my heart and mind to study His Creation throughout the rest of my life.

“Now that I am out of college, I appreciate the high quality of my education at PCC, which is at or above the standard I have seen in graduate school. I also greatly appreciate how Dr. Carlos Alvarez taught us to clearly and critically consider scientific writings, particularly as they relate to things that are unproven or even unprovable. It helped me in my own life to avoid the vast amount of deception that lurks in the world of science. Also, PCC helped me develop the ability to maintain a high academic standard while simultaneously handling multiple other obligations.

“I trust God to lead me each day to where He wants me in the future. My lab is traveling this year to the American Association of Cancer Research Conference in Orlando, FL, and the abstract I submitted was selected for oral presentation. I am excited to be able to share some of my work in a public setting like that! My desire is to continue developing my scientific and professional skills. Specifically, I want to be able to accurately and intellectually bring glory to God by pointing out the wonders of His Creation and defend the validity of the Genesis account.”

Majors in Pre-Medicine, Biology, Chemistry, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Physical Therapy, and Nursing prepare students for graduate school and medical careers.

Published: 4/15/2011