An unexpected benefit of my career in biochemistry has been travel.

The experience reminds me of a favorite saying: Most of the yield from research efforts comes from the coal that is mined while looking for diamonds.

I participated on debating teams and in student government, and served as senior class president.

The Brigham Young University (BYU) campus was just a few blocks from my home and tuition was minimal.

Over and over, expanding scientific knowledge has shown religious claims to be false.

An unexpected benefit of my career in biochemistry has been travel.

More by example than by word, my father taught me logical reasoning, compassion, love of others, honesty, and discipline applied with understanding.