Editor's Note: God has called each member of our church to live out their calling to magnify Christ in distinct ways. This series is intended to give you a firsthand look at what members of our church do week in and week out to bring God glory and make a difference in the lives of others.

Each person is answering the question, "What is one thing you do, every week, in the name of Christ and for His glory?" 

Here is Rachel's answer:

I am in my fourth year of my PhD in Biomedical Engineering (BME) at UC Irvine. I study a specific form of epilepsy called infantile spasms, and I develop computer algorithms to analyze the infant’s brain signals to inform doctors about the best treatments for them. I fell in love with engineering and medicine during my sophomore year of college and I believe God has called me to pursue these endeavors with perseverance and excellence. I believe God has called me to be a BME researcher for two reasons: (1) for me, because I better understand his nature and character by studying his creation; and (2) for others, because I am thrown into a community of knowledge-hungry, goal-seeking people who often reject the gospel.

Being a scientist increases my love for God.

I started studying the human brain three years ago. I have become fascinated with how parts of the brain connect to each other, how we think, and how we learn. In research, I get to discover the complexity and uniqueness with which God created each and every one of us. I often get asked if being a scientist makes me question my beliefs about God or if I have trouble balancing my faith with scientific fact, but it is quite the opposite. I love God more from being a scientist because I can be amazed by Him and His incredible creation every day.

I also believe God has called me to be a scientist and academic because the community is largely unreached by the gospel. I know very few graduate students at UCI that are Christians. Academia is largely composed of people who thirst for the truth but can’t bring themselves to believe something that is intangible, that they can’t measure with statistical significance. They fill the void in their heart with patents, publications, and grant proposals.

This is my mission field.

I know God has called me to this community, possibly to be the only reflection of Jesus they encounter. And although that is a heavy weight to bear and I almost never do it well, I know His grace is sufficient and that His gospel never returns void. This is how I am called, and I rejoice in it. 

We would like to hear your story too. Make your submission here and we may feature you on the blog.