E/C: Credentials and Experience

[RufusAtticus]

Hi All.

Since the topic of credentials has come up recently, I figured I'd start a topic to allow the participants of this forum to provide their qualifications, however meager they might be.

I will start out.

I am an evolutionary biologist, studying evolutionary theory under Marjorie Asmussen at UGA. I have a BS in Genetics and a AB in Latin from the University of Georgia. I am currently working on my PhD there too, with an NSF Predoctoral Fellowship. (Thank you tax payers.) I have one paper that is currently in review which deals with frequencey-dependent selection.

Out of all the creationists arguments, I am most interested in ones dealing with the existance of kinds.

-RvFvS (Reed A. Cartwright)

[ March 07, 2002: Message edited by: RufusAtticus ]</p>

[Baloo]

I earned a B.S. degree with a triple major in Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science. I'm now working towards a Masters in Computer Science at Washington University, St. Louis, but still do what I can to retain the more rigorous scientific/mathematical outlooks acquired during my studies of Chemistry and Math.

[liquid]

Well, I'm not at the same stage of life as you, but I'll list where I'm at, so to speak.

Currently stuying for a masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, going on my industrial placement in a few months. Currently running at a first level.

I have A levels (UK qualification that we take at the end of high school - IMO somewhat above your AP courses) in Maths, Physics, Geography and Biology. I also have an S (special) level in Physics, which is essentially uni level stuff that you are not taught, but have to derive on the exam paper (mind bending!). All those are As, and the S level is 1(Distinction) which is the top possible as well.

This makes me something of an all-rounder, as I understand all areas of the debate to a reasonable extent. Certainly enough for most creationists.
:D

I suppose I am best at thermodynamics arguments, but actually I tend to avoid them because they are just such a stupid misunderstanding it makes me want to shoot myself, so I stick to stuff like IC and general contributions.

[tgamble]

Originally posted by liquid:
<strong>This makes me something of an all-rounder, as I understand all areas of the debate to a reasonable extent. Certainly enough for most creationists.</strong>

Bah! Remedial Science 1A is enough for most creationists. :D

[Peez]

I have a PhD in evolutionary biology, and am presently an Assistant Professor in a university biology department.

Peez

[RufusAtticus]

Originally posted by Peez:
<strong>I have a PhD in evolutionary biology, and am presently an Assistant Professor in a university biology department.

Peez</strong>

COOL!

[Dr.GH]

Ph.D. University of California 1976 in anthropology. I had about as many grad hours in chemistry as anthropology, and had a chemist on my committee. I taught in medical schools until 1985 when I went (mostly full time) back to archaeology. I do some forensic taphonomy/archaeology with consultancy to the local coronor's office, and certification by the Tenn. Supreme Court (all capital murder trials in Tenn. are automatically appealed, hence the certification).

Currently I am Director of Education Programs for a small natural history museum, and I teach occasional courses in local schools (I think next fall at Soka University). I have about 100 publications counting technical reports and abstracts many of which I wrote with students.

<a href="http://medstat.med.utah.edu/kw/osteo/index2.html" target="_blank">http://medstat.med.utah.edu/kw/osteo/index2.html</a>

The link is to some taxonomy work I did, and a whole lot more.

[scombrid]

Wow, I'm really outclassed here. I've a BS in Fisheries Science (A bioligy degree heavy on the organismal and population levels of things but really light on cell biology and chemistry). My genetics background is absolutely dismal. So far this board has been really informative. I'm studying for my MS in Ichthyology at a major East Coast marine lab (not Woods Hole, wrong Gloucester).

[Dr.GH]

Hey Reed, I just noticed you're in Georgia. The last med school I taught in was MCG in Augusta (aka disgusta).

The credentials issue is complex. For example, Patrick posts here regularly on geology, and, without the advantage of faculty support, he consistantly impresses everyone with the quality of his understanding. In the south east of the US, archaeologists all are familiar with the work of Tono Waring, who was an amature in the sense that he held no degree in archaeo.

That said, too many creationists use degrees, phoney or not, to gain credibility. If we down ply our educations I think we give the creationsts a free point. I try to be flexable about it. I use Dr. in my handle, but I try not to attack someone's position based only on relative education. Sometimes though I do point out that I have spent decades in study of some of these issues. Oh Well.

[ March 07, 2002: Message edited by: Dr.GH ]</p>

[MrDarwin]

You may also want to check out this archived discussion:

<a href="http://iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=001082" target="_blank">Scientific knowledge on the forum</a>

[ March 07, 2002: Message edited by: MrDarwin ]</p>

[Tim Thompson]

I am a split personality. Most of my formal education is in physics; B.S. 1978, M.S. 1985, both from <a href="http://www.calstatela.edu/" target="_blank">California State University at Los Angeles</a>. Prior to that, my education is in languages; I graduated from the <a href="http://www.dli.army.mil/" target="_blank">Defense Language Institute</a> in 1972 with a diploma in Russian (37 weeks, 1110 hours in class), and passed the <a href="http://www.af.mil/" target="_blank">Air Force</a> qualifying exam in both Russian and French.

My professional experience has mostly been in astronomy & astrophysics, and remote sensing & atmospheric physics and chemistry. I tend to deal with the physical arguments, thermodynamics & evolution, the age of the earth & universe, and such. I dabble in genetics, where the creationist arguments are fairly obviously lame (even a grey haired old physicist can see that gene duplication makes the genome longer!).

All manner of bloody details, autobiography, and a review of some of my professional work, are outlined from <a href="http://www.tim-thompson.com/" target="_blank">my hompage</a>.

On the matter of credentials, I do have a general observation to make. We commonly hold that it's the quality of the argument that counts, and not the quality of the credentials. That's true, but I think there's an important caveat. Most people are uneducated in science, and would not know the difference between a quality argument, and a stupid argument. Those people don't have much choice but to consider credentials. If some PhD geneticist says that gene duplication works just fine, and PhD computer scientist says it doesn't, who do you believe? Ordinary people will, I think, opt for the geneticist, on fairly obvious grounds. The computer guy doesn't have to be stupid (although that may be the case), just wrong. I think that's the way to use credentials, as an indication that you are unlikely to be doing something totally stupid in your own field.

Cheers.

[tgamble]

Originally posted by Tim Thompson:
<strong>On the matter of credentials, I do have a general observation to make. We commonly hold that it's the quality of the argument that counts, and not the quality of the credentials. That's true, but I think there's an important caveat. Most people are uneducated in science, and would not know the difference between a quality argument, and a stupid argument. Those people don't have much choice but to consider credentials. If some PhD geneticist says that gene duplication works just fine, and PhD computer scientist says it doesn't, who do you believe? Ordinary people will, I think, opt for the geneticist, on fairly obvious grounds. The computer guy doesn't have to be stupid (although that may be the case), just wrong. I think that's the way to use credentials, as an indication that you are unlikely to be doing something totally stupid in your own field.
Cheers.</strong>

That's true but doesn't John Morris have a Phd in geology? And John Woodmorappe? and Duane Gish has a Phd in biochemistry. Which makes their arguments seem credible. Especially when they are arguments concerning their field. Even if they haven't done any work in it for 20 years....

[RufusAtticus]

Sorry guys if I wasn't clear enough.

I'm also curious about general experience in anything. :)

-RvFvS

[bluefugue]

That's true but doesn't John Morris have a Phd in geology? And John Woodmorappe? and Duane Gish has a Phd in biochemistry. Which makes their arguments seem credible. Especially when they are arguments concerning their field. Even if they haven't done any work in it for 20 years....

So is there any choice we laymen have but to go with the majority opinion among experts in a given field? I.e., if most qualified geologists believe in continental drift, we laymen should provisionally accept it too? And if most qualified biologists accept evolution, we should too? I know it's commonly said that "science is not democratic," etc., it's the argument not the arguer that matters; but from the layman's perspective, what other option is there, really, unless you want to spend months/years of your time educating yourself on the subject?

In short I think it could be argued that, practically at least, science is democratic, within the limited population of experts in a given field. That doesn't mean that continental drift suddenly became true when a majority of geologists accepted it, of course! But it does mean that a layman in 1920 could have felt justified in rejecting it, and a layman in 2002 cannot.

[lpetrich]

In John Stear's excellent No Answers in Genesis! (http://home.austarnet.com.au/stear) site, there is the heartbreaking story of a certain Andrew Snelling (http://home.austarnet.com.au/stear/snelling.htm), who is a geological Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. His Dr. Jekyll side is his career as a professional geologist, describing rocks as hundreds of millions of years old. His Mr. Hyde side is his career as a young-earth, flood-geologist creationist. And he does not have the decency to be a Philip Gosse creationist, saying that he's happy to discuss God's created appearance in his professional work, and that if God had wanted some rocks to appear to be a billion years old, that he is content to describe that appearance in his work.

[ March 07, 2002: Message edited by: lpetrich ]</p>

[Corey Hammer]

Doctoral Candidate in Experimental Psychology

Master of Arts in Experimental Psychology

Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences (Major: Psychology w/ lots of Biology and Chemistry).

Major Research Interests: The Self, specifically focusing on self-regulation, especially emotion and task performance.

[Arrowman]

BSc in Maths / Computer Science
(For the spotty faced youths among you, that was back in the punched card days; I could spell "chad" way before Al Gore)

Reader of Asimov, Sagan, Randi and Dawkins, plus many web sites. Oh, and Thompson, scigirl, gallo et al. :D

Sciophile, not scientist.

I like to focus on points of logic and consistency, plus the more straightforward aspects of stuff like thermodynamics, fossil sorting etc. Doesn't get me anywhere :(

Originally posted by RufusAtticus:
<strong>Sorry guys if I wasn't clear enough.

I'm also curious about general experience in anything. :)

-RvFvS</strong>

Nope, not goin' there with you, Rufus. :D

[ March 07, 2002: Message edited by: Arrowman ]</p>

[phlebas]

This is exactly why I find myself as a spectator more than a participant around here :) My BA in journalism and my work towards my Masters in technical communication sounds like two-ply quilted Charmin by comparison.

Ummm... I can palm a basketball though :)

[Dr Rick]

BA in Biochemistry from San Jose State University, MD with honors from Baylor College of Medicine, residency at Stanford University in Internal Medicine, fellowship at University of Utah in Gastroenterology, clinical professorship with U of U, private practice.

As one of my collegues once noted, a doctor spends one-half of his life becoming a physician and the other half recovering from the ordeal.

I'm an accomplished skier, a green belt in Red Dragon karate, a scuba diver, an okay equestrian rider, and a terrrible golfer.

Rick

[tronvillain]

As my profile says, I'm in my fourth year of biochemistry here at UBC. It comes in handy occasionally, but my recreational reading is more useful around here.

[Tim Thompson]

IesusDomini So is there any choice we laymen have but to go with the majority opinion among experts in a given field?

I don't think there is any other choice. As I recall, one of the legal requirements to appear in court as an "expert" witness, is that the "expert" has to present the majority view in the field of expertise, aside from other credential requirements.

I don't know what John Morris' degree is, but indeed Gish has a real live PhD in biochemistry, from the University of California at Berkeley. Kurt Wise got his PhD in paleontology from Harvard University and Stephen Jay Gould, no less! And John Baumgardner has a PhD in geophysics from the University of California at Los Angeles. And they do use their degrees to justify their position.

There are creationists, and young earth creationists, with real live PhD's, and other advanced degrees in science & technology. Maybe trying to rectify the degree with the philosophy espoused is a job for the psychologist, Corey Hammer. I think it's called cognitive dissonance, when the brain just refuses to see the obvious.

But what else does one do? If you've never studied geology or geophysics, or anything like it, and some guy with a PhD from UCLA comes along and says that continents moved at 20 miles an hour, how do you respond? Maybe he's on to something? How would you know (or not)? The only thing an intelligent layman can do is go along with the majority. At least they will be wrong in good company.

[Dr Rick]

Originally posted by rbochnermd:
<strong>...and a terrrible golfer.</strong>

Don't even get me started on my typing skills...

[DougI]

I have a B.A. in psychology from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. I dropped out of the experimental psychology program in Fort Hays State University. I have a Ph.D. in Creation Science Education from By Byou University.

[ksagnostic]

:o Well, I'm way outclassed, but that won't stop me from flapping my electronic gums here on occasion.

BS in Speech Pathology from Kansas State University
MA in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from Wichita State University, and some post graduate stuff

Professionally, I am a speech-language pathologist who primarily specializes in augmentative/alternative communication (developing and maintaining communication systems for people who are unable to rely on speech, and training them in the use of their systems), but I have worked in pretty much every area except voice and fluency. I currently work for a private special education school. I also have had the pleasure of doing volunteer work with great apes (primarily chimpanzees) at our zoo for the last 12 and 1/2 years. My evolution related interests are primatology, paleoanthropology, and cognitive ethology.

[ March 07, 2002: Message edited by: ksagnostic ]

[ March 07, 2002: Message edited by: ksagnostic ]

[ March 07, 2002: Message edited by: ksagnostic ]

[ March 08, 2002: Message edited by: ksagnostic ]</p>

[rockmom]

That doesn't mean that continental drift suddenly became true when a majority of geologists accepted it, of course! But it does mean that a layman in 1920 could have felt justified in rejecting it, and a layman in 2002 cannot.

Well, I feel like being a pain in the arse to night. Geologist do not accept 'continental drift' in 2002. They accept plate tectonics. The idea that the continents were once connected was first suggested by Bacon in the 17th century. The proponents of mobile continents generally felt that catostrophic events caused the separation until 1910 when F. B. Taylor and then Alfred Wegener in 1912 proposed 'drift'. Unfortunately, there was no mechanism by which the drift could take place. However, by the 1930s geologists were divided into drifters and non-drifters. When after World War II the opportunity to study the ocean floors opened up, a mechanism in sea floor spreading and subduction zones was found.

BTW, my experiences and qualifications are a B.A. in geology from Carleton College and 2 years of graduate work in geology at the University of Utah. I became a mother and flaked out on graduate school. I also like to read about biology and anthropology. And I am a pain in the arse. :)

[bluefugue]

I'm sorry, I thought the term "continental drift" was acceptable in the modern context of plate tectonics. Anyway, clarification aside, I think the nub of my gist is unchanged...

BTW, please stick around, rockmom. Real live geologists are priceless around here.

As for my credentials, I have a BA in cinema/television production from the University of Southern California. In other words, I know jack about science, but I could put together a nifty propaganda film for either side. :)

[David Gould]

I have no credentials whatsoever...and even I can see the idiocy of creationist arguments...

I like to read a lot, though - I have learnt more geology, biology and genetics from reading this forum than I ever thought there was to know.

rockmom,

A friend of mine is on a bizarre kick at the moment about the expanding earth theory, which supposedly was an alternative to tectonics at some stage. He says all the data fits and that geosync orbits and suchlike drift in a way that also fits this theory. Do you have anything to rebut this sort of stuff or is there something to it? (need more geology knowledge...)

[scigirl]

Wow - we have an interesting bunch of people here. From speech pathology to computers to geology. . . very cool.

I have a bachelors in biomedical science, with a minor in biochemistry, from MSU in Bozeman, MT. Soon to have a masters in immunology and molecular biology from MSU. In four years will have an MD like Dr Rick, and I hope to never ever golf! I prefer more exciting sports, like snowboarding. ;)

Debunking misconceptions about science and scientists has recently became an obession AHEM I mean hobby.

Scigirl

[HRG]

I worked 20 years as a mathematical physicist (PhD) in various places. During that time, I gort a JD as well. But for the last 15 years, I've switched to a different field (market and opinion research).

I try to stay somewhat up-to-date by reading journals like SciAm and New Scientist (plus some review articles), as well as good popular books.

I have a good general background in history, comparative linguistics, law and German literature. I like reading good SF and playing tournament bridge.

Regards,
HRG.

[ March 10, 2002: Message edited by: HRG ]</p>

[faded_Glory]

I got a University of Amsterdam doctorandus degree in Geology (a Dutch peculiarity, nowadays equivalent to a Msc but closer to a PhD when I received mine back in '81). I have 20 years experience working as a geologist/geophysicist in the oil industry.

I also have a motorcycle license, and I can swim. I have played drums in several bands, play the flute and dabble on my organ (no, not that way ;) )

fG

[John Solum]

I've got a BS in geology from Utah State University, a MS from the University of Michigan in geology (structural geology and a little mineralogy) and I'm a PhD candidate at the U of M now (structural geology, mineralogy, and a bit of geochronology - the effects of clay minerals on fault behavior, and the evolution of the Sevier Orogeny in UT/ID/WY).

John

[Peez]

RufusAtticus:
Sorry guys if I wasn't clear enough.
I'm also curious about general experience in anything.Well, I am accomplished with a canoe, I've done quite a bit of hiking and camping, I am a First Responder (first aid), I play a little hockey and basketball, and I make a mean cream puff (yum!). I have dabbled in bridge, Risk, and many RPG's. I have a driver's licence that covers taxis, small buses and emergency vehicles, and I recite pi to 8 digits.

:)
Peez

[MrDarwin]

I have 2 degrees from Cornell University, BS in entomology and MS in systematic botany. Between degrees I worked as an assistant in the university's insect collection. I taught introductory biology (for non-majors) for 2 years while in grad school at Cornell. I currently work as a botanist at a major research institution and a paper I co-authored has recently been published in the American Journal of Botany.

[CardinalMan]

I received my bachelors degree from Carnegie Mellon University with a double major in Computer Science and Discrete Math/Logic. Currently, I'm a graduate student in mathematics studying mathematical logic and computability theory at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). I just passed my Preliminary Exam yesterday (woohoo!), so now I get to experience the joy of writing a thesis.

CardinalMan

[Automaton]

I'm a high school student. Give me love.

[Scotty]

Nothing, I have nothing from any college. When I couldn't do the math required for high energy particle physics (in fact, I can barely add and subtract) I didn't persue science much.
I have been working on computing since 13 (1976) so I have a lot of working knowledge of this environment, so I could probably tackle almost any problem in that field (troubleshoot) and figure it out.
Yet, I could probably fix your car if it broke down (except maybe an automatic trans, haven't fixed one of those), or build a house (given enough time!), or spark a conversation in most any topic and have a good question to ask.
I have fired up two Internet companies (built the network, kept it running) that are still going today (one I am still at) and have received nothing in return!
So, not much to give to this board, but it is odd you can smell the stench from most non-valid ideas and how people skirt the real topic.

Ah, so much fun, so little time.

-Scott

[RufusAtticus]

Originally posted by Automaton:
<strong>I'm a high school student. Give me love.</strong>

It's that illegal?

-RvFvS

[theyeti]

B.S. Biology.

3rd year PhD student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

theyeti

[Coragyps]

PhD (1979) from Ohio State in organic/organometallic chemistry. Since, worked in petroleum-related chemical biz, so I'm now very out-of-date on the academic sort of chemistry. I've picked up some petroleum geology, and am an on-and-off astronomy nut. I read Science every week, and whatever web stuff and books I get my hands on re evolution, astronomy, and geology.
Confession time: I took a lot of illegal substances in the late 60's to induce altered states. This morning, I looked at <a href="http://www.creationscience.com/onlinebook/index.html" target="_blank">Walt Brown's online book</a> for the first time, and I must tell you all: I never found a hallucinogen back then remotely as powerful as whatever ol' Walt must be taking. Maybe hallucinogen chemistry has advanced a great deal, too. :D :D

[Sauron]

Originally posted by RufusAtticus:
<strong>Sorry guys if I wasn't clear enough.

I'm also curious about general experience in anything. :)

-RvFvS</strong>

I have a BA in Intl Studies / Middle East Affairs. And a BA in Arabic Lang & Lit, with an emphasis on Quran and Hadith.

Background in Germanic mythology and comparative languages.

And about 10 years of experience in fudnamentalist belief systems, esp. those of Baptists and evangelicals.

And finally, a background in ancient Near Eastern civilizations - Babylon, Egypt, etc.

Wish I had a science background like you guys. That's so cool.

<img src="graemlins/notworthy.gif" border="0" alt="[Not Worthy]" />

[Jeremy Pallant]

BSc in Computer Science from Brighton Polytechnic (now University) in the UK. 20 years experience. I was originally going to study Microbiology and as a consequence received preparatory education in Biology and Chemistry (but no evolution). However I changed my mind and became a software engineer in stead.

I also write video game reviews and related articles for the CompuServe Video Gaming Central website, for <a href="http://www.tiptonium.com" target="_blank">Tiptonium.Com</a> and <a href="http://www.gamebits.net" target="_blank">GameBits.Net</a> is going to start publishing my work too.

Anything I know about science, religion, mythology, history and other subjects that crop up around here is largely through my own studies.

[Corey Hammer]

Well if it's any experience...

I'm an avid skier. I enjoy making 3D art on my computer. I enjoy RPG's, specifically, Shadowrun, Middle Earth, and Star Wars. I've also been working on a fantasy novel for a couple of years.

[MrDarwin]

BTW, regarding experience, not sure if this counts but in the good ol' days of the Washington Post's "Talk Central" (before they ignominiously pulled the plug on the whole thing without any warning to participants) I actually managed to convert an evangelical Christian libertarian YEC into an evangelical Christian libertarian OEC after a debate on the age of the earth. I considered it a partial victory...

[Peez]

Just a comment about formal qualifications and experience. Many of the best posts here are from "unqualified" individuals. Anyone with a little intelligence, curiosity, and intellectual honesty can learn enough about the subjects covered here to make very useful contributions. Often, coming from a "lay" background is a strength in that those of us with more formal backgrounds may sometimes talk over the heads of our target creationists. I have nothing but respect for those who have informed themselves about these issues, and presented coherent posts. Please do not be intimidated by letters after a person's name.

Also, it is great to see high school students and other youngsters here. This is not, nor is it meant to be (if I may be so bold), some sort of "adults-only" forum. I only wish that more young people found their way here.

I'll get off my soapbox, now.
:)
Peez

[pangloss]

Well, since we are all blowing our own horns....

PhD. (1999) Wayne State University
major: anatomy and cell biology
minor: physical anthropology

doctoral research on the molcular phylogeny of primates

B.S. (1994) Grand Valley State University
major: health sciences (hey, I wanted to be a physical therapist at the time...)

Currently Asst. prof. of biology

www2.norwich.edu\spage


Been involved in the cre/evo debate for about 6 years.

Worked as a janitor, night watchman, phlebotomist, lab technician, and was a paratrooper for 4 years right after high school.

My favorite color is black...

[Dr.GH]

pangloss, My (so far) all time fav reference on primate mol phy:

<a href="http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/96/18/10254#Top" target="_blank">http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/96/18/10254#Top</a>

Do you have any candidates to replace it with?

[ksagnostic]

Originally posted by Dr.GH:
<strong>pangloss, My (so far) all time fav reference on primate mol phy:

<a href="http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/96/18/10254#Top" target="_blank">http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/96/18/10254#Top</a>

Do you have any candidates to replace it with?</strong>

From what I could understand of it, this was very very cool.

[pangloss]

Originally posted by Dr.GH:
<strong>pangloss, My (so far) all time fav reference on primate mol phy:

<a href="http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/96/18/10254#Top" target="_blank">http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/96/18/10254#Top</a>

Do you have any candidates to replace it with?</strong>

Thats a dandy. I have another (no link, so I'll supply the abstract):

Mol Phylogenet Evol 1992 Jun;1(2):97-135
Reexamination of the African hominoid trichotomy with additional sequences from the primate beta-globin gene cluster.

Bailey WJ, Hayasaka K, Skinner CG, Kehoe S, Sieu LC, Slightom JL, Goodman M.

Additional DNA sequence information from a range of primates, including 13.7 kb from pygmy chimpanzee(Pan paniscus), was added to data sets of beta-globin gene cluster sequence alignments that span the gamma1, gamma 2, and psi eta loci and their flanking and intergenic regions. This enlarged body of data was used to address the issue of whether the ancestral separations of gorilla, chimpanzee, and human lineages resulted from only one trichotomous branching or from two dichotomous branching events. The degree of divergence,corrected for superimposed substitutions, seen in the beta-globin gene cluster between human alleles is about a third to a half that observed between two species of chimpanzee and about a fourth that between human and chimpanzee. The divergence either between chimpanzee and gorilla or between human and gorilla is slightly greater than that between human and chimpanzee, suggesting that the ancestral separations resulted from two closely spaced dichotomous branchings. Maximum parsimony analysis further strengthened the evidence that humans and chimpanzees share the longest common ancestry. Support for this human-chimpanzee clade is statistically significant at P = 0.002 over a human-gorilla clade or a chimpanzee-gorilla clade. An analysis of expected and observed homoplasy revealed that the number of sequence changes uniquely shared by human and chimpanzee lineages is too large to be attributed to homoplasy. Molecular clock calculations that accommodated lineage variations in rates of molecular evolution yielded hominoid branching times that ranged from 17-19 million years ago (MYA) for the separation of gibbon from the other hominoids to 5-7 MYA for the separation of chimpanzees from humans.
Based on the relatively late dates and mounting corroborative evidence from unlinked nuclear genes and mitochondrial DNA for the close sister grouping of humans and chimpanzees, a cladistic classification would place all apes and humans in the same family. Within this family, gibbons would be placed in one subfamily and all other extant hominoids in another subfamily. The later subfamily would be divided into a tribe for orangutans and another tribe for gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans. Finally, gorillas would be placed in one subtribe with chimpanzees and humans in another, although this last division is not as strongly supported as the other divisions.


I am partial, yes ;) , but the amount of data and the strength of the results warrant ranking it in at least the top 5 papers on the topic.

[Dr.GH]

Thanks for the abstract. Did you notice the Nature article this week on the expantion pattern of H. sapiens? Molecular analysis seems to be moving way out in front of fossil based paleontology.

[hezekiah jones]

I have no credentials in hard science. I'm working towards a law degree. I am simply interested in protecting the integrity of reason from the despicable political tactics of creationists.

Let them teach their pathetic objections and tinpot philosophy in comparative religion classes (it hardly qualifies as philosophy). But of course they don't want that either, given their intemperate reaction to competing religious doctrines taught in those same classes.

Creationist attempts to influence public school science curricula should be fought with every weapon at our disposal, and we have plenty.

[Ergaster]

Okay, I'll play: A BS (High Honours)in physical anthropology from the University of Toronto, and three years towards an MS in the same field until real life (read: got broke and got a baby) intervened. All that's left is some of my thesis. Maybe some day I'll be able to get back to it. Most of my interests are in early hominin evolution, cladistics, functional morphology, and paleoecology. Right now, mostly involved in keeping up with the literature in my field, working (slowly) on some writing/research projects aimed at the evolution/creation debate, and raising a couple of kids. Also have tutored in math and science (although the math is a bit of a stretch--never my best subject!).

Deb

[Kosh]

Hmmmm... you know Kosh doesn't like to reveal
himself.

[ March 09, 2002: Message edited by: Kosh ]</p>

[Dr.GH]

Um, Kosh might get arrested revealing imself. ;)

Deb, "Ergaster," I bailed from TrueSeekers ( if you recall ) because you and Kim went extreme far right supporting a creationist "mistlufenhed" (if it is in 9th grade German it is OK) about your uber-nationalist reaction to the NYC-WTC atrocity. You seemed unaware of the antecedent events. This is not a responce I would expect from a competent anthropologist, i.e. one who by dint of study is able to differentiate between
scientificly suported understanding from “emic” or folk suported understanding.

[pangloss]

Originally posted by Dr.GH:
<strong>Thanks for the abstract. Did you notice the Nature article this week on the expantion pattern of H. sapiens? Molecular analysis seems to be moving way out in front of fossil based paleontology.</strong>

I have heard about it, bit not read it.

Interestingly, Tim White (of 'Lucy' fame) said in an article a few years ago something to the effect that whenever molecules and morphology don't match, go with the molecules, and that fossil-based phylogenies of Homo are essentially guesswork at this point.

Your ARN pal "PLA" used White's words - out of context, of course - both whn he posted at CARM a few years ago via Helen Fryman ( who referred to him as a 'biggie' in the field) and on ARN.

Strangely, he used White's words to argue against moleuclar phylogenetics. Even after I exposed the context issue, he refused to retract his gibberish...

Well, that 'PLA' for you....

[Ergaster]

Originally posted by Dr.GH:
<strong>Um, Kosh might get arrested revealing imself. ;)

Deb, "Ergaster," I bailed from TrueSeekers ( if you recall ) because you and Kim went extreme far right supporting a creationist "mistlufenhed" (if it is in 9th grade German it is OK) about your uber-nationalist reaction to the NYC-WTC atrocity. You seemed unaware of the antecedent events. This is not a responce I would expect from a competent anthropologist, i.e. one who by dint of study is able to differentiate between
scientificly suported understanding from “emic” or folk suported understanding.</strong>

Hm. I'm not sure I'm following you here. I recall that Kim and I actually disagreed (fairly strongly) with each other about certain aspects of that tragedy, but this does not ring a bell.

Sorry if I managed to offend you, though, however inadvertently.

[scigirl]

Originally posted by CardinalMan:
I just passed my Preliminary Exam yesterday (woohoo!), so now I get to experience the joy of writing a thesis.
Mwa ha ha ha ha! My advice - run away, forrest, and don't look back. Dont try to be brave, just run away. :D

Seriously though, congrats, and good luck.

scigirl (who is being delinquent right now, and avoiding working on her thesis)

[scigirl]

Originally posted by hezekiahjones:
I have no credentials in hard science. I'm working towards a law degree.

Woo hoo, will you defend me if I get sued for malpractice?

Omnedon1: I wish I had your background:
"I have a BA in Intl Studies / Middle East Affairs. And a BA in Arabic Lang & Lit, with an emphasis on Quran and Hadith."

I know very little about the history of abrahamic religions, but from what i know, I can't believe that people still believe!!

pangloss - very interesting PhD you are getting! Hey, I'm a phlebotomist too. Do you find yourself staring at people's veins, thinking, "Wow that's a GOOD one!" ? :eek:

scigirl

[pangloss]

Originally posted by scigirl:
pangloss - very interesting PhD you are getting! Hey, I'm a phlebotomist too. Do you find yourself staring at people's veins, thinking, "Wow that's a GOOD one!" ? :eek:

scigirl

Actually, I got it in 1999. And yes, I still on occasion catcha glimpse of a nice big antecubital and think, "That one would be easy"...

[scigirl]

I'm bumping this up.

scigirl

[Viti]

Well, I have worked in front line customer service since the day I graduated high school...in retail for 6 years or so, then a two year stint as a stripper, now VP of Customer Relations for a telecommunications company.

Tremble in fear of my knowledge! ;)

[KC]

::comes out of closet:::

Bachelor's degree in Genetics, 1976, UC Berkeley.

Cheers,

KC

[KnightWhoSaysNi]

Originally posted by RufusAtticus:
<strong>Hi All.
Since the topic of credentials has come up recently, I figured I'd start a topic to allow the participants of this forum to provide their qualifications, however meager they might be.
[ March 07, 2002: Message edited by: RufusAtticus ]</strong>

Hmm, time for some chest-beating. ;)

I have:

Advanced High School Diploma (Salisbury High School)

Honours Geomatics Engineering Tech. Diploma (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology)

BSc in Earth Science (University of Calgary)

Some courses from the Masters in GIS program (University of Calgary) --- but transferring to Education.

My first evolution/creation book was Abusing Science by Philip Kitcher. Been hooked ever since. :D

[ June 13, 2002: Message edited by: Nightshade ]</p>

[LiveFreeOrDie]

Me:

B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois.

Ten years slinging code for several firms in the financial services industry.

Now an owner or part-owner and chief techno-weenie for two software companies. I spend my extra time and money building and flying amateur rockets.

I also happen to think organized creationism is an evil influence on our society. These people are the Taliban in Christian clothing.

[joshack]

- BA in Social Psychology and Biological Anthropology (Duke University, 1998)

- will be 3rd year (in the fall) towards PhD in Social/Evolutionary Psychology


I tracked lemurs in the woods for awhile and I can ride a bike in a straight line.

[beausoleil]

BSc and PhD in physics, coming up for 20 years research experience in various aspects of planetary science, presently holding a faculty position at a major European University.

Deliberately keeping it vague!

[The Lone Ranger]

Well . . . I got my masters in Biology from Wake Forest University, then taught at the college/university level for several years. I finally decided to go back for the doctorate, and I'm currently a doctoral candidate (in Zoology) at Washington State University.

I also study Kyokushinkai karate, fencing, and kendo.

My hobbies include hiking, camping, reading everything I can get my hands on, and playing the flute.

My turn-ons include sunsets, starry nights, walks on the beach, cuddling on the couch . . . Oops, heh, heh -- wrong forum.

Cheers,

Michael

[ June 13, 2002: Message edited by: The Lone Ranger ]</p>

[Daydreamer]

Just finished my first year at the University of Californian at San Diego (Gen. Bio), with my sights on a BS degree by 2005. Looking at switching to an Evo/Eco biology major with a minor in computer science because of my interest in the recent computer simulations of evolution, and because I've always enjoyed computers.

I thoroughly enjoy popular science, and hope to some day help bringing science to the people much as Dawkins, Asimov, and Sagan have to me. Perhaps one day I'll write up a few flash or shockwave pieces on evolutionary theory, a la BecomingHuman.

All these M.S. and PhDs are making me feel just a little bit inept O_o.

[ June 13, 2002: Message edited by: Daydreamer ]</p>

[Douglas J. Bender]

Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, with a Minor in Computer Science, from Indiana University at South Bend (1992). Was planning to pursue a PhD in Mathematics, but figured I should take some time away from school, work, and pay some bills off first. Ten years later, and I've still got bills to pay off first.


In Christ,

Douglas

[scigirl]

Douglas!

Haven't seen you in a while.

Sorry about not replying to your last post in the formal debate. I understand you've been telling people you won this debate? If anything, you demonstrated how little you know about biology, and how you seriously misunderstand the scientific process. Which is fine - that can be fixed.

Good luck paying those bills, though.

scigirl

[Rational Ag]

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University (2000). I will be starting an MBA program in 2004 after four years of working in the subsea oil and gas industry.

-Rational Ag

[Lizard]

B.A. in Communication Studies (Graduated With Distinction). Total immersion in the evo-creo issue since 1999, when the Kansas Board of Education decided evolution, geological time, the Big Bang and the concept of "theories" as ways of understanding large bodies of facts didn't belong in the state's science standards. Currently President of Kansas Citizens For Science (www.kcfs.org).

Much independent reading on science, ID, evolution, fundamentalism and other issues related to the ongoing struggle to keep religion out of public school science classes.

Vocation: freelance writer

[Douglas J. Bender]

scigirl,

Sorry about not replying to your last post in the formal debate. I understand you've been telling people you won this debate? If anything, you demonstrated how little you know about biology, and how you seriously misunderstand the scientific process. Which is fine - that can be fixed.

You couldn't leave well enough alone, could you? You just had to go and get a dig in, even though this thread is merely "Credentials and Experience", and I had not commented on my background (or lack thereof) in biology. Shame on you, you scamp. :)

Anyway, who told you that I've been telling people that I "won" the formal debate? I don't recall doing so, though I might have said to some (probably at ARN) that I felt I showed that you continued to be blinded by evolutionary prejudices into making unjustified inferences. If that's "winning" the debate, then I guess I "won". But let's not sully this thread with that stuff.


In Christ,

Douglas

[Douglas J. Bender]

Lizard,


Did you know that leonard thinks a lizard is a fox?

In Christ,

Douglas

[Duvenoy]

Wow! Lot’s of eddycated folks here! I fear I’m not just a little out-classed, but buried!

I dropped out of school half way through the ninth grade and went to work, not because I had to but wanted to. Just as well. I was a mediocre student at best. I went into the Navy at 17 and all but single-handedly made the world safe for democracy from ‘57 until I was disabled out in ‘67 with a wrecked knee and spine. I was a Shipfitter / Diver.

I’ve had a life-long fascination with venomous serpents and have kept, observed and studied them off and on for fifty years. A passion for wildlife in general goes hand in hand with this.

Today, I do wildlife rescue and rehabilitation (state licensed), problem snake removal (not so much of this anymore - I’m a little too crippled to clamber around in crawl spaces, these days), and educational presentations with a small conservation society. We go into schools, fire and police departments, and Fish and Game. once in a while, we do a private gig. I specialize in venomous and currently keep 14 animals to that end. Actually, there’s only 13 on the premises at the moment. One, a beautiful little male Trans-Pecos Copperhead Akistrodon contortrix pictigastor is out for stud service. He’s very good at it.

I am further fascinated with paleontology and archeology. The Theory of Evolution ties in with both and I’m always looking for new finds to be described.

In short, I’m pretty much self taught in my field and I continue to learn. Not so great, really, but a lot better than fundie home schooling. School is never out for me.

doov

[Clutch]

Studied PoliSci and Psych (esp. biopsych) in my undergrad, but ended up taking my degree in Philosophy. Added MA and PhD in Philosophy, and am now an Asst Prof of Phil. Still keeping my hand in the Psych and Cognitive Science, though.

My knowledge of the non-cognitive sciences is partly self-taught, partly based on doing a PhD in a department where the philosophers regularly published in physics journals.

[Principia]

Anyway, who told you that I've been telling people that I "won" the formal debate? I don't recall doing so, though I might have said to some (probably at ARN) that I felt I showed that you continued to be blinded by evolutionary prejudices into making unjustified inferences. If that's "winning" the debate, then I guess I "won". But let's not sully this thread with that stuff.
&lt;name deleted&gt;, in the debate between myself and scigirl, in all honesty I would say that I was "winning". And, she was requiring that I prove that there was some mechanism which would prevent micro-evolution from "becoming" macro-evolution, when actually the burden was upon her to prove that micro-evolution could "become" macro-evolution. Something she never did. And I've since found some sources which provide strong reasons for concluding that micro-evolution could not "become" macro-evolution. In any case, I did find that scigirl had some difficulty arriving at correct inferences, especially in regard to some things I had said.

For Scigirl:
<a href="http://iidb.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=58&t=000520&p=" target="_blank">last post on page</a>

Well, I've been "debating" scigirl off and on at one thread which is open, and a "Formal Debate" thread just for the two of us (how romantic, don't you think? [but don't think there's anything going on]). As of this morning (I haven't checked back there since then), in that "Formal Debate" thread, the moderator posted first, then I said to scigirl, "Ladies first". If that's what you're referring to, then, yes, I'm ahead of her already, both chronologically in posting, and in manners.

<a href="http://www.arn.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001136;p=7" target="_blank">this tidbit from ARN</a>

[ June 14, 2002: Message edited by: Scientiae[retired] ]</p>

[Skydancer]

Interesting batch of folks, all right.

Might as well weigh in with my own credentials...
B.A. in geology, B.A. in physics, 1979 and
M.Ed. 1992 (I know, that's embarrassing, but I had the credits after getting my teaching certificate.) In the process of getting my license, I placed completely out of undergraduate astronomy (needed a course in astro for one of the subject areas) so I could probably claim a B.A. equivalent there, as well.

Currently teaching physics to high school kids and trying to get them to think. The arguments that go on here are very useful for adaptation - I do sometimes get E/C questions.

[scigirl]

Douglas,

Yeah I couldn't resist. Sorry. I just wanted to make sure you read my post, since in the past, my private messages to you are still "marked as unread." If you want to continue this discussion, go <a href="http://iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=58&t=000920" target="_blank">here.</a> That is also where the chimp chromosome data is, since you mentioned you couldn't find it earlier.

To update my credentials:

BS in Biol Science, minor in Biochemistry
MS in Vet & Molec Biology, thesis was on neutrophils and rotavirus
Currently: lab technician in a biology research lab
Future: Joining a cult (aka Med school) ;) [Hey, they fit the description of a cult - they keep you away from family, brainwash you, and convince you to give them all your money!! ]

scigirl

[Peez]

PhD in evolutionary biology
professor of biology at a large university
all around nice guy

:)
Peez

[MrDarwin]

BS in Entomology, MS in Botany, both from Cornell University.

2 years' experience as a teaching assistant in introductory biology while in grad school.

I currently work as a botanist at a well-known research institution (but in reality data management is the major part of my job). A paper I co-authored was recently published in the American Journal of Botany.

No PhD, which is why I'm MrDarwin.

[Arch Stanton]

I managed to complete one year of a Science degree (University College Dublin) and two years of an Electronics Engineering diploma (Dundalk Institute of Technology). Apart from that I've got no experience apart from various genetics, evolution, cosmology and other misc. science books written for the layman.

In terms of understanding modern science, my uncompleted science and electronics degrees have furnished me with a useful critical mathematical mentality. And my failed electronics diploma lets me appreciate how imaginary numbers are useful in modelling certain aspects of electronic circuits although I can't remember how the relevant mathematics work!

It's amazing how much you can both learn and forget in a few years of college science education.


Arch Stanton.

[RufusAtticus]

Originally posted by MrDarwin:
<strong>No PhD, which is why I'm MrDarwin.</strong>

Does the "Mr" refer to Master then? You must have a way with the ladies.

[MrKrinkles]

There was mention earlier of the debate between Scigirl and Douglas. I clicked on a link in one of the posts about the debate, and I found an interesting quote from Douglas:

"However, if I became convinced that 'macro-evolution' had occurred, my faith in God would be practically demolished. For macro-evolution to occur would take away the entire Biblical explanation of sin and redemption - there would be no need for Jesus, and so the Bible would be ultimately and completely untrustworthy. I then would have to find some other explanation for my conversion experience in my car in 1989, and my prayer to God resulting in walking sounds on a roof to cease in 1992. As it is, God casting out a demon is the explanation I accept, in both cases."

<a href="http://http://www.arn.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001136;p=7" target="_blank">ARN discussion page</a>

<a href="http://www.arn.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001136;p=7" target="_blank">http://www.arn.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001136;p=7</a>

I just thought this needed to be shared.

Cheers,

Brooks

[gilly54]

I'm a real lightweight compared to some on this board. But here goes:

AS in Radiation Therapy Technology,BA in Psychology, 10 credits towards a Masters in Anatomy (I LOVED Histology!),Certified in Medical Dosimetry, Teaching credential (UC-Santa Cruz)
Taught Radiation Dosimetry and Physics at junior college while being a mom. (I had to do something to keep my brain from turning to putty!)Went back to work fulltime and for the last seven years I have been specializing in High Dose Rate Brachytherapy. For my right brain stimulation, I paint in oils, watercolours and pastels, and am teaching myself to play the guitar.

But one doesn't need formal education to arrive at the realization that many of us here share. IMO, Common sense, Science ,and Reason = atheism. I was raised Anglican and sporadically went to church with Mum.(Dad never gave religion a thought). I've read the Bible and was offended by it. Since we are all born with common sense and reason, I think the ability to throw off religious brainwashing depends on the amount of exposure one is subjected to as a child. Thankfully mine was light. So my admiration goes to those of you who were raised strict Catholic or fundamental Christian and managed to break free! :D

[Douglas J. Bender]

Scientiae,


"Get a life, loser." :D

What part of "I'm ahead of her already" (which was a humoro(u)s comment on the initial stage of the "debate", in that scigirl had not posted anything yet) and "winning" implies "WON"? Do you understand the difference between being "ahead" and "winning", and "won", Scientiae? :rolleyes:

Anyway, why don't you take your obsession with me elsewhere, and thus avoid dirtying this thread with your arrogance and pettiness?


In Christ,

Douglas

[RufusAtticus]

Moderator's note:
This is a thread for users the share a little something about themselves. It's not for people to critique other users.

RufusAtticus
E/C Moderator

[Principia]

Rufus,

OK, I do like watching DJB squirm and distort his words though.

[ June 15, 2002: Message edited by: Scientiae[retired] ]</p>

[Steven S]

The qualifications on this board are impressive--which is why I hardly post here and stick to science/skepticism area since most people
here can answer questions better than I.
Anyway, we have a resident mathematical physicist,
Planetary astrophysicist, and an optics guy. I guess I'm the resident particle physicist. I'm a graduate student studying particle theory. Mostly interested in physics beyond the standard model and rigorous quantum field theory.
Of course, these qualifications are mostly useless when arguing with a creationist--unless they stumble into my small patch of expertise. Many of the "less-educated" layman here know a hell of a lot more about biology than I do.

Steven S

[hezekiah jones]

Originally posted by Steven S:
Of course, these qualifications are mostly useless when arguing with a creationist ...

Not so. Have you heard of the "<a href="http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/debating/globetrotters.html" target="_blank">Gish Gallop</a>"?

[NeilUnreal]

BA in Geography (Cartography)
MA in Geography (Bioclimatology)

Completed coursework for a PhD in Bioclimatology (my Dad and Sister have degrees in biology), but I decided my real love was computers so I never completed the dissertation.

Completed coursework and thesis project for an MS in Artificial Intelligence, but I got a $job$offer$ before I finished writing my thesis. (Recognize a trend?)

Fourteen years professional experience in artificial intelligence, small systems programming, and embedded systems programming. Focus is on software engineering aspects of A.I., in particular: runtime efficiency, generic and generative programming. Most recently, five years experience in natural language processing and rule-based expert systems for medical informatics. Ongoing interests in genetic algorithms and robotics.

Seven telecommunications patents (U.S. and international). Well-traveled, well-read, play keyboards and do model-making and machine-shop work for a hobby.

Calm personality. Been told I'm a pleasant person :p (wouldn't know, myself).

-NeilUnreal

[ June 15, 2002: Message edited by: NeilUnreal ]</p>

[Douglas J. Bender]

NeilUnreal,

wouldn't know, myself


Don't be afraid to embark on the exciting and unpredictable process of self-discovery. You know the song, "I've Been to Paradise, But I've Never Been to Me"? If not, you might like it (but then again, probably not).


In Christ,

Douglas

[ June 15, 2002: Message edited by: Douglas J. Bender ]</p>

[NeilUnreal]

&gt;Wouldn't know, myself.

LOL, I saw the pun when I wrote it, though it was unintentional. Maybe I'm a little bit like Groucho Marx:

"I wouldn't be a member of any club that would have me as a member."

(The social equivalent of Russell's paradox!)

-Neil

[Stephen Maturin]

- High school (nothing noteworthy; just the usual bullshit that all teenagers endure)

- Military service (yes, there are indeed atheists in foxholes)

- A couple of years of full-time drink and debauchery

- College/part-time drink and debauchery. Graduated in 1981 (A.B. in philosophy with minors in history and political science)

- A couple more years of full-time drink and debauchery.

- Sobered up (late 1983)

- Seven years of attempting to make my way in the world (from chess player to land title insurance and many points in between)

- Law school (J.D. in 1993)

- Private law practice, 1993 to date.

Since I've got no education, training or experience even remotely relevant to the issues discussed in this forum, I don't post here. I am, however, an avid lurker. Many thanks to the regulars who make this board so interesting and informative! :)

[Jimmy Higgins]

A little late, but I'll add my experience.

- BS of E in Civil Engineering.
- nearing 3 yrs experience in the field of geotechnical engineering.
- Have alot of experience with sedimentary rock inspection of Northeast Ohio, Berea Sandstone, Cleveland, Sunbury, Bedford, and Chagrin Shale: having classified well over a ton of rock that has been cored.
- Dabble in physics and biblical theology. IE know much more than the common person, but not nearly as much as an expert in the field. I'm studying much deeper into the Torah now. [Patting self on back]I consider myself greatly endowed with insight when it comes to the Old Testament and psychology.[/Patting self on back]

My motive is not to stop people from believing in god, but rather to stop the incessent lies that are spread in the world, most of which come from extreme conserative religions.

[Albion]

Interesting thread; thanks for the link, scigirl!

B.Sc. in chemistry

Ph.D. in theoretical chemistry (molecular structure)

Have worked in science publishing for years, most recently (for the last 15 years) for a publisher specialising in books and journals on microbiology, molecular biology, and genetics, so I spend my whole working life reading this stuff.

Married to a research astrophysicist, who sometimes gets dragged onto these forums to answer the "the sun is shrinking!" "the moon is receding at warp speed!" "oh, but, what about the neutrinos!" sorts of creationist fantasies. You get two for the price of one with me!

[pz]

I have some qualms about this "qualifications" stuff. This is an informal discussion group, and I think it is inappropriate to even appear to intimidate anyone because they have fewer acronyms tagged on to the end of their name. There are flaming idiots who deserve to have their arguments shot down with extreme scorn, but that should be done solely on the basis of what they say and not because they lack a diploma. Similarly, the Ph.D.s ought to be judged only by the quality of their words now, and not given greater weight because of some triviality, like having spent years and years in advanced study of the subject.

[scigirl]

Originally posted by pz:
I have some qualms about this "qualifications" stuff. This is an informal discussion group, and I think it is inappropriate to even appear to intimidate anyone because they have fewer acronyms tagged on to the end of their name.
I don't think this thread was designed to intimidate anyone. I think it's relevant to a science discussion to ask what backgrounds everyone has--whether it's formal education or just someone's hobby.

Similarly, the Ph.D.s ought to be judged only by the quality of their words now, and not given greater weight because of some triviality, like having spent years and years in advanced study of the subject.
This is true, except that it often takes years in advanced study (either formally or informally) to really get at the core of some of these issues. I know that before my bachelor's degree in molec and cell, there's no way I would be able to understand and explaint the human/chimp chromosome fusion data I keep bumping up for the YECS.

But your point is well taken - and if you do read through this thread, you will find a healthy mix of high schoolers, PhD's, and everybody in between. We are all here to learn from each other.

scigirl

[scigirl]

One more thing. I find that many creationists come here and automatically assume that we are all bumbling idiots who have never heard the word "DNA" or "dinosaur." For instance, the comment by Aldehyde ["Anyone wants to disprove my statement? (or are you too fuzzy and have no clue in what I am talking about?"] in this thread:
<a href="http://iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=58&t=001129" target="_blank">http://iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=58&t=001129</a>

In this case, I do feel a bit justified displaying my degree feathers like a proud peacock when a creationist assumes I've never even heard of bacteria! Yet I hope that those of us with degrees/credentials are here not to intimidate anyone, but rather to use our education/knowledge to further the cause of science and science education.

Plus Aldehyde asked the question in the topic, "Any microbiologists here" so I felt it was relevant to link him to this thread."

I hope that helps! I am truly amazed at the diversity of backgrounds here - and keep in mind - some of our best posters don't have a formal education in that field!

scigirl

[Darwin's Finch]

Given my online name, I suppose I should pipe up. I have no formal background in biology (in fact, am a college dropout with a background in English and Philosophy). Let's just say that my interest in evolutionary theory is a growing hobby that started as a simple desire to rebut creationist nonsense but has developed into a real interest in what the state of the science is. To that end, I have begun acquiring college level texts in chemistry, geology and biology to better educate myself about these topics and have been reading as many of the popular works on the subject as I can get my hands on. I've also recently subscribed to Nature and Science to further these ends, though I find some of it tough going.

I see by the sheer number of PhDs in the related fields that I will seldom, if ever, have anything significant to bring to the table, but perhaps I can carry my own weight by tackling some of the creationist BS that others are tired of rebutting.

Also, we recently had a new member who, at other sites, called himself Darwin's Finch. This guy actually has a degree in biology, so I'm feeling kind of sheepish about the name I chose (better that a real biologist uses it). I chose it because I anticipated asking questions that some of the professionals might have found ridiculous, and I didn't want to be taken as a troll.

Well, screw it! DF I am, and DF I will remain.

[Synaesthesia]

Hello,

I failed ninth grade and took four years to complete highschool. Last year I learned to recite the months of the year in order and to tie my shoes in under five seconds.

The majority of my life’s achievements were completed during the first five years of my life or have been lost in computer crashes.

I am aspiring to an illustrious career as a garbage man or a mediocre one as a scientist.

[scigirl]

Originally posted by Synaesthesia:
I am aspiring to an illustrious career as a garbage man or a mediocre one as a scientist.
Heh stick with the first one, I believe it pays better! :D

scigirl

[DireStraits]

Winner of a national high school competition in science for a project concerning size constancy, a psychological concept dealing with the fact that our perception of the size of distant objects is not dependent on their distance, so cannot be related to the angle subtended to the object. (Ah! Those were the days! But did I - shriek!, peak then????)

B.A. Philosophy. Newcastle upon Tyne. England. Subsidaries in psychology and polical theory , called political science in the US, and I don't know why.(The happiest years of my life.)

Completed first year course in biochemistry at same University. Course consisted of anatomy, physiology and chemistry. (Got bored.)

Computer Science Training Course East Anglia Uni. (No formal parchment or diploma, but reckoned by my employers (who payed for it) to bring you up to B.Sc. level.

Amateur musician. Saxophone, guitar, banjo and keyboards. (Twenty years since gigging) Half-way decent singer. Song-writer (retired)

Amateur Shakespearean scholar. (Working towards memorising all the great soliloquies, compiler of a Shakespearean concordance.)

Much better than average public speaker. (Ask anyone who has heard my speeches.)

Unpublished novelist. (Rather autobiographical, with a lot of cliches, looking back.)

Erstwhile chess-player Elo rating 1950 - approaches expert level (2100), but that's not as grand as it sounds, 1750 or so is average for a club player in the US. Have never beaten anyone at expert level. Can barely remember the Najdorf now.

Father and husband (No rating)

Lover. C+ on a good night, but always an A for effort. "Allegro con brio."

News junkie. (Hopeless case)

Wit, racconteur, life and soul of the party and part-time curmudgeon.(References available on request.)

[ July 23, 2002: Message edited by: DireStraits ]</p>

[monkenstick]

*taps the stand with his baton*

allegro NON TROPPO!

[DireStraits]

allegro NON TROPPO!

DS: No composer would use that! It should be "Allegro MA non troppo."

Quickly BUT not TOO quickly.

I used to get into lead guitar by being far too "busy" as the band leader used to say. I suppose I was trying to show how fast I was.

These days I am not as fast as I used to be.

My wife's pleased about that...

[RufusAtticus]

Originally posted by pz:
<strong>I have some qualms about this "qualifications" stuff. This is an informal discussion group, and I think it is inappropriate to even appear to intimidate anyone because they have fewer acronyms tagged on to the end of their name.</strong>

I started this thread months ago because Randman showed up and started spouting off that he was the only one with any qualifications on this board. (Or something similar.) The rest is history.

[ July 23, 2002: Message edited by: RufusAtticus ]</p>

[Badfish]

Originally posted by pz:
I have some qualms about this "qualifications" stuff. This is an informal discussion group, and I think it is inappropriate to even appear to intimidate anyone because they have fewer acronyms tagged on to the end of their name.

Is that why you are quick to attack? I listed a few things about evolution in the "what do you find bunk about evolution" thread, and pz attempted to intimidate me. If you find it inappropriate to intimidate pz, why do you practice intimidation yourself?

[scigirl]

Let's stay on topic please! Thanks,

scigirl

[braces_for_impact]

I have no credentials to my name. But, I'm certainly not intimidated. I know I have the ability to learn anything here that anyone else knows given sufficient time and motivation. I have never been made to feel small for my lack of formal education, which is one aspect of this board I really like.

I have made it a real point to research and study many areas of science, as I progressed in my atheism. Mainly because I (rightly) would feel uncomfortable attempting to make an assertion about a topic I know little or nothing about. Mostly, I have learned to be skeptical of practically everything, and I believe it to be a healthy stance to take with me in the world.

I had children very young, and as such was more concerned about making ends meet than about formal education. I do plan to be enrolled in college by next year, my only difficulty being in what field of science to choose. I have noticed that compared to the average person I am well versed in science, and considering I have built this knowledge base on my own I am actually rather proud of my accomplishments. I think having sound reasoning and critical thinking skills will give me a definite advantage when I go back to school.

Now if only I could decide my field of study...sigh. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[abe smith]

I'm too-much intimidated by the LUMINOUSity here to say a word..... Thanks for putting this thread here, Rufus Att. & thanks for steering us to it here, Scigirl! YOU GOOOOOOOO!, Scigirl! Guess I won't presume to flash my tin here right now. Abe.

[DonaldW112]

A lot fewer chemists here than I thought. Anyway I read much more than I post here. I do enjoy going to other boards and annoying the creationists there.

B.A. Chemistry (Honors) Grinnell College
Ph.D. Inorganic Chemistry UC-Berkeley
Post-Doc Livermore National Lab

Last six years working as a research chemist for a major coporation.

Enjoy the E/C debate (I have given a number of presentations on the subject locally). Also enjoy bridge (the card game), soccer, paintball and my 3 kids.

Donald

[Gooch's dad]

Credentials aren't exactly relevant to evo, more the science/skepticism area, but since you asked:

BS Applied Physics/Quantum Optics, UC Davis, 1985
MSEE Electrophysics/Quantum Electronics USC 1989

-Kelly

[pz]

Originally posted by Peez:
<strong>PhD in evolutionary biology
professor of biology at a large university
all around nice guy

:)
Peez</strong>

Weird...a Peez who is a professor of biology, and a PZ who is a professor of biology. If you hadn't said you were an all around nice guy, I'd be worried about possible identity confusion.

[Roland98]

Hi all--

I thought I'd bump this up, not because I'm particularly interested in what letters are behind everyone's name, but because I thought it would be interesting to find out more about interests and possible areas of expertise (or at least general knowledge, whether it's been gathered in a formal setting or just as a hobby).

So here's my background:

BS in Biology
Ph.D. in Microbiology, studying microbial genetics/pathogenesis/virulence factor regulation.

Currently employed as a postdoc studying infectious disease epidemiology, mostly at the molecular level.

Bioterrorism is a big interest of mine as well, though not anything I directly deal with.

Anyone else who missed this on the first go-round want to add your interests?

[AmbiguousUbiquity]

Well, I have a BS in Biology from Cal State University (was going to transfer to UC Santa Cruz my junior year, but I met my future husband at CSU, and well.....you can take it from there). I have a minor in American Studies (which is LOTS of fun) and chemistry.

I focused on macrosystems when I got to my electives in college, with classes like Mammalogy, Human Anatomy....but also took classes on microsystems like Parasitology and Biology of Cancer (everything causes cancer!! What a morbid class).

I loved my American Studies minor, where I took classes like Sexual Orientation in America, Prejudice in America, 1960s America, Religion in American Culture.....fun stuff!!

I work as a chemist in a very small company that specializes in spectroscopy. I'd like to go get my Master's degree sometime in either Virology or Forest Ecology. And work for the CDC or be a Ranger lol

[JaeIsGod]

Holy shit! Im totally outgunned here , you guys are way to educated =p

Im still in highschool and I only had some basic biology in the first 2 years and thats it.Well , the less you know , the more there is to learn I guess =]

[caravelair]

i am currently finishing my B.Sc. with a double major in astrophysics and mathematics. i've completed almost all of my degree requirements. i just have 3 courses (out of 20 total) to complete this year.

this year i will be taking my first life sciences course: a zoology course called "evolution and adaptation". should be interesting!

[Joe Meert]

I have BS and MS degrees in Geology from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Michigan. I worked for 6 years at Indiana State University and I am now back teaching at my alma mater. My 'stuff' can be found at
http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/jmeert

A side note: I agree with the general sentiment on here regarding the trotting out of qualifications, but it seems it was in response to the claim that there were no 'qualified' scientists posting here. Indeed, that is not even close to being true.

Cheers

Joe Meert

[Senlatheil]

I am currently a 5th year graduate student at the University of Kentucky's Microbiology/Immunology department. Specifically, I study prions. I have one paper ready for review.

[Xixax]

I'm currently a student working towards my Bachelor's in biology. I had originally pursued a major in Computer Science, but the pace at which I was able to take classes caused my experience to so outweight any advantage of holding a degree in that field that I realized I was wasting my time.

I hope to finish my degree, and then pursue a Masters in microbiology, or if some software I hope to sell is finally released from a non-compete clause, to take a few years off of everything and pursue a Doctorate.

I have worked in the past with a professor of botany at a fairly well known university on a small program to simulate natural selection, and have also worked with a few grad students on writing software applications that do everything from simulate plants adapting to insects/birds to help pollenate and reproduce to simulating the evolution of predator/prey relationships. For those projects, I mostly provided programming support.

Thanks to the recommendations of everyone here, I have a vast library of books from all sides of the debate on evolution, and feel I'm versed enough in the subject to fluently debate creationists/idists of all flavors. I'm obviously not at the level of expertise of many here, but I feel I'm a bit beyond the layman. :)

[RBH]

(Deleted on second thought)

What Joe said.

RBH

[roxrkool]

It's been very interesting to see everyone's interests and experience! I hope more people post.

As for me, I have a B.S. in Geology from the Mackay School of Mines, University of Nevada, Reno and am currently finishing up my Master's in Geology from the Colorado School of Mines (classes finished and in the final stages of writing - YAHOO!!!).

My specialty and interest centers around mineral deposits, especially gold and PGEs.

I worked as an Exploration Geologist in Nevada for 5 years, I am currently working as a geologist for the feds, and I've also worked as a Certified Nurses Assistant and phlebotomist a LONG time ago (and yes, I still notice good veins! LOL).

I was 3 credits away from a minor in Physical Anthropology and I love astronomy.

[Dr.GH]

Richard (et al) I do think that we should be up front about education/publication etc... Then if someone wants to argue with me, they can knowing full well that if they are right- they are right.

How do we teach people to avoid the "argument from authority" trap if we hide the facts of our background. Further, the YEC "scientists" such as Sarfati, or the DI twits are very quick to trot out their qualifications, and to challenge those of all who disagree with their simpleminded bull shit.

Getting students to argue is a hard job. I often resort to giving a class about utter nonsense. Absurdity after absurdity until somebody challenges me.

Besides, it is fun to see how much my entry/life has changed. ie I quit the museum, I took a teaching job at an art college, I quit that, and reopened my environmental consulting firm (with a new partner and only 3 clients). And I have 2 or 3 new pubs. Not bad for around 18 months (well, too few pubs-- I have spent too much time on internet evo/creato).

[RBH]

Education: BA/psych, BA/anthro, Ph.D. in what is now called cognitive science (cog psych, neurophysiology, psycholinguistics, CS).

10 years (1960s) in aerospace and defense, working on design of various missile, aircraft, and spacecraft control systems.

20 years ('70s & '80s) professor of psych.

Most recent 10 years: Developing and deploying genetic algorithms to model and control functions in a real-world complex adaptive environment. CEO of small firm that does that stuff commercially. Also, currently an Affiliated Scholar in Biology at a private college working on ALife and evolutionary simulations with a couple of evolutionary biologists.

Pubs in control system design, human skilled behavior, human memory, and emergency medicine. Sculpture in curated show.

Lieutenant, volunteer fire department/emergency squad (firefighter, EMS, heavy rescue, and technical rescue). (roxrkool: I look at veins, too! :))

RBH

[Warcraft3]

i thought id jump in here if you guys dont mind (Principia....I still havent forgotten about the Mike Gene article, but Ive been kind of busy so I havent gotten to it. Ive been posting a lot on TWEB recently and so it kind of ate up my time...I plan on giving you comments on at least one article by late Sunday night)

- I have a B.S. in EE from Penn State University
- currently work for a DOD contractor in Maryland on secret stuff
- enrolled at Johns Hopkins to take classes and eventually get a masters focused on electromagnetics and antennas
- got involved in the evo/crea debate at a very young age
- in the army reserves for over 4 years
- took martial arts for several years


theres more but ill have to save that for later





Russ

[Kevin]

I like this thread. It's given me the opportunity to get to know a lot of the posters.

Anyway, I'm a student at UCSD, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, with interests in evo devo, the origins of life, and paleontology. My non-biology interests include theatre, both as a spectator and participant (I've been an assistant director, lighting designer, carpenter, electrician, and actor), music--I'm proficient with the trumpet, piano, and I'm a classically trained tenor, and I compose--writing non-fiction, working out, ocean kayaking, hiking (and fossil hunting :)), classical languages, literature and history from when I couldn't decide whether I wanted to be an archaeologist, composer, or biologist, I have the plays of Shakespeare memorized, along with large chunks of The Oxford Book of English Verse (Quiller-Couch edition).

I came to the creationism controversy mainly via my atheism, having heard many apologists refer to YEC and, more recently, IDC as evidence supporting the existence of God, and I realized that this was an area in which I was able to refute them from my personal knowledge.

[catalyst]

BS in Exercise Phyisology w/minor in nutrition.
BS and MS in Biochemistry

Some published work on nutritional supplementation for athletes.

Currently work in product development for the flavor division of a food distribution corp. Not very exciting, but I am in charge of new product formulation for all of our neutraceuticals, which is something that I actually enjoy, on the rare occasion I actually get to do it.

[monkenstick]

I have a BSc majoring in genetics from the University of Queensland, and i'm currently in my first year of medicine at the same Uni.

[Wounded King]

I have a BSc in Cell and molecular biology. I am currently in the process of printing out my PhD thesis for submission. My doctoral work was on mesoderm induction in Xenopus. I have started a post-doc recently still in the field of development but with more of an epigenetics slant to it.
I have one paper published and another out at review, which may well end up in the Welsh Journal of Suspect Science with an impact rating of 0.000000000000000001.

I used to be a keen fencer but don't seem to have the time anymore, I also played ultimate frisbee in my under-grad days. I am very interested in, although skeptical of, parapsychology. My main hobby at the present time is my fiancee and our upcoming wedding.

[Goober]

Just you wait..... I'll be back in a couple of years with some actual credentials. . ;)

I'm doing a BSc in molecular biology, in 1st year.

[Roland98]

Originally posted by JaeIsGod
Holy shit! Im totally outgunned here , you guys are way to educated =p

Im still in highschool and I only had some basic biology in the first 2 years and thats it.Well , the less you know , the more there is to learn I guess =]

Nothing wrong with that! I think it's awesome that we have some highschoolers on here...gives me hope for the future. :D

Actually one poster I know from here and another forum just graduated HS (I think he's been on hiatus from here preparing to head off to Cornell). From his posts, you definitely never would guess it. So I'm in agreement with others that degrees certainly aren't everything...but I find it interesting to find out a bit more about where everyone else is coming from, whether they were drawn into the E/C debate because of the work they do or for other reasons.

[Joe Meert]

Originally posted by Roland98
Nothing wrong with that! I think it's awesome that we have some highschoolers on here...gives me hope for the future. :D

Actually one poster I know from here and another forum just graduated HS (I think he's been on hiatus from here preparing to head off to Cornell). From his posts, you definitely never would guess it. So I'm in agreement with others that degrees certainly aren't everything...but I find it interesting to find out a bit more about where everyone else is coming from, whether they were drawn into the E/C debate because of the work they do or for other reasons.

JM: I just submitted a paper co-authored by a high-school student who spent the summer working with me..Smart kid.
http://gondwanaresearch.com/hp/pandorafin.pdf

Cheers

Joe Meert

[Dr.GH]

That's great Joe. The best way to teach science it to do science.

Between 1991 and 2001 I coauthored 20 papers with 22 undergraduates, all from community colleges.

"Its not the years, its the milage."

[Donnmathan]

For what it's worth...

BS in Computer Sc.
Working on a degree in Comparative Theology (stress on non-traditionals)
World Champion Poor Speller - spell checkers are my best friends

I am currently a VB programmer and part-time masocist...errrr...SF/Fantasy author. Started looking into the hard science behind the stuff I was interested in when I was younger as research for short stories, haven't looked back.

Found this site while reading a "Fundies say the darndest things!" page, and have enjoyed reading ever since. You guys actually are a better research site for my purposes than, say, talkorigins, and now I guess I see why!

[RufusAtticus]

Originally posted by Donnmathan
I am currently a VB programmer and part-time masocist

Isn't that redundant?

[Selsaral]

I am just an amateur. I have a B.S. in geology and anthropology. I was most interested in invertebrate paleontology when I was studying. I love these forums too. I love geology and paleontology, and there is so much great info around here. I read my invertebrate paleontology textbook for fun nowadays ;-)

[Donnmathan]

Originally posted by RufusAtticus
Isn't that redundant?

Hmm, then maybe taking up writing is the start of some kind of trend...:banghead:

[CX]

Originally posted by joshack
- BA in Social Psychology and Biological Anthropology (Duke University, 1998)

- will be 3rd year (in the fall) towards PhD in Social/Evolutionary Psychology


I tracked lemurs in the woods for awhile and I can ride a bike in a straight line.

Don't forget you are also the funniest motherfucker alive and rightly show contempt for Hydrox cookies.

(P.S. I didn't know you hung around here)

[CX]

No relevant education whatsoever.

BS in Comp. Sci & Math
Graduate Certification in Project Management
Graduate study of Koine Greek
Currently pursuing master's degrees in Business (MBA) and Project Management (MPM)
Ordained minister of the Universal Life Church
World's foremost authority on "Salt & Sour" potato chips.
Currently employed as a Lead Developer/Interface Designer for an educational publisher that develops intelligence and educational assessments.
Social deviant.
My personal interests are music, snowboarding, tattoos (I'm currently on #5) and piercing (only 4 nothing really shocking)
I managed to avoid any biology or earth sciences education from kindergarten through undergrad and have been trying to catch up since then.

[CX]

Originally posted by RufusAtticus
Isn't that redundant?

shhh. VB developers don't realize it's a tinker-toy language.

[Godot]

My undergrad was a BSc (Kin) from the University of Calgary in 2001.
Completed a Graduate Diploma in Public Health Nutrition (2002) from the University of Canberra.
Will be finished a Masters of Applied Science (Nutrition) or Masters of Nutrition (whenever the ivory tower decides what the hell to call my program) by December.
I'm currently involved in a project comparing differences in certain immunological factors between chronic exercisers and non-exercising controls. My tiny little part is to investigate the differences in their dietary habits. If all goes well, I'll manage to get something published out of it.

I'm interested in researching in the area of the cognitive dissonance between knowledge of proper dietary habits and actual practices in populations.
As for work, I'm currently teaching some undergraduate labs in human physiology and also in sport statistics. Once I graduate, I'm hoping to gain employment as the newest member of a university faculty.

[Donnmathan]

Originally posted by CX
shhh. VB developers don't realize it's a tinker-toy language.

OK, that does it; I must convert to C++, or Java, or throw myself from yon high tower...and next time, whisper softer - we may work with a tinker-toy language, but that don't mean we're deaf!:p

[JaeIsGod]

Originally posted by Roland98
Nothing wrong with that! I think it's awesome that we have some highschoolers on here...gives me hope for the future. :D

Actually one poster I know from here and another forum just graduated HS (I think he's been on hiatus from here preparing to head off to Cornell). From his posts, you definitely never would guess it. So I'm in agreement with others that degrees certainly aren't everything...but I find it interesting to find out a bit more about where everyone else is coming from, whether they were drawn into the E/C debate because of the work they do or for other reasons.

Well , Im mainly here to learn. Ever since I accepted evolution I have been fascinated with the early lifeforms and their evolution , so I try to learn as much about that as possible. And this place can be quite good for getting information.

And I also want to be able to defend myself from YEC , which is going rampant where I live =[

[leonarde]

And I also want to be able to defend myself from YEC , which is going rampant where I live
Oh, I didn't know that YEC was rampant in the Netherlands.

[Darwin's Beagle]

I have a BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas (Now Southwestern Medical School), a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Texas - Medical Branch in Galveston, and an O.D (doctorate in optometry) from the New England College of Optometry in Boston.

I have taught a variety of courses at the undergraduate level:

General Biology
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Genetics
Cell Biology
Microbiology
Ecology

and at the graduate level:

Neuroanatomy
Clinical Optometry

I am an amateur naturalist (birder, and fossil hunter mostly). If I had to do it over again I would go for a Ph.D. in paleontology and not worry so much about making a living.

Regards,

Darwin's Beagle

[Aethari]

While I mostly just lurk on this forum, due to my lack of experience with biology...

I'm currently a sophomore in college, and I'm working on a triple major in Physics/Philosophy/Math. I hope to do research and/or teaching relating to theoretical physics and causality...however, there is still a great deal of time before any sort of career goal gets finalized. ^_-

~Aethari

[Nialler]

I'm interested in the attitudes here moreso than the qualifications. By-and-large, the posters have been a tad sheepish when listing their qualifications. Those that don't have advanced degrees in Biology or other relevant areas have been making that clear and are emphasising that they are here to learn.

Quite a refreshing change from the cretos, who appear to flaunt their 10$ diplomas with much gusto, and who refuse to listen to a word spoken by those with real experience.

My background: MSc (comp science) - and I predate chads.

I've done some post-grad studies in philosophy and intend to resume after my imminent retirement.

[RBH]

Nialler wroteMy background: MSc (comp science) - and I predate chads.I bet you remember these archaic commands, too:

RASC: Read And Shred Card
RAST: Read And Stretch Tape

And I'll bet you can still rapidly convert binary to octal in your head so as to remember what all those damned lights were telling you. :)

RBH

[Dr.GH]

Gauwd, I vaguely remember having to manually toggle a PDP 8(?) before I could boot the poor old thing. Then it booted from a paper tape. Bianary to octal= High tech, '60s style.

[JaeIsGod]

Originally posted by leonarde
Oh, I didn't know that YEC was rampant in the Netherlands.

Well , actually , it's quiet rare. I just live in one of those areas that hasn't catched up with the 19th century yet :)

[MortalWombat]

B.S. Microbiology
Ph.D. Cell and Molecular Biology

Was a serial post-doc up until a little over a year ago, when I got a job in the IT department of a company that manufactures in vitro infectious disease diagnostic instruments and reagents.

[Ted Hoffman]

B. Sc. Information Science (IT Major).
IMIS (UK) Diploma
CPA
MCSD

I've taught at college level:

MCSD (ARDSA, SQL and VB), C++, VC++, G++ (GNU c++), Linux, N+, Java SCript, VB Script, XML, WML, WML SCript, Java, DHTML,
ASP, Graphics software (Photoshop, Corel Draw)...<scratches head...>

Plus a host of other softwares.

Hobbies include science (mostly Physics and Biology) and Biblical Criticism and Archaeology.

Working on MBA now.

Dreams of becoming a writer one day. And having sex (twice) on a daily basis once I am married for at least one week. It can taper off after six months (I think by then I will have had enough).

[Stew]

Cool thread.


Me and my hefty 0.01 posts per day in these parts have a bit of history.

BS MS Environmental Engineering (basically an expert in nothing)

Roughly 3 years in heavy construction experience, high steel instrument fitter...

24 some odd years in industrial environmental management/quality control including lots of hours in wet chemistry, AA spectrophotometry, and seemingly endless meetings...

More time than I care to remember knee deep or worse in what might be considered pretty nasty stuff ( hazardous materials experience, not my homelife...:D )

A few years getting some pc experience, strictly from the hardware side...

Currently doing most of the above within the aerospace industry.


Okay, thats enough... back to my lurker closet... :)



.

[xorbie]

Freshman at U of Illionois Urbana Champaign working towards Double Degree Engineering Physics and Grad-Prep Math. I don't plan on studying any more Bio in college, but I do have AP credit in it, which means I know enough molecular, physiology, evolution and ecology to get the general gist, if not all the particulars, of the arguments around here.

And yeah, an intro HS course in evolution wouldbe sufficient to disprove creationists (edit: assuming they even had an argumen that was scientifically testable, which they don't. Better word here would be to "convince" creationists)

[Oolon Colluphid]

Hmmm. Does my O Level in biology count?

Did biology A Level (along with chemistry and classical civilisation), failed, retook it and got an O, which meant I was as good at it three years later as I was at 16. Basically, I’m crap at exams: took lots, passed quite a few (10 ‘O’s, 4 ‘A’s), none with good grades.

My BA (hons), Classical Studies, has proved highly relevant ever since I did it. [/sarcasm] ;)

Biology and chemistry A Levels gave me enough to make Dawkins etc easy reading, and ever since then I’ve been collecting pop science and textbooks (Futuyma, Gilbert, Brock, Eckert, Bush, Brown, Benton, Klein, Clarkson, Carroll etc) with the aim of eventually reading and understanding them all.

Which I why I’ve not owned up to my ‘qualifications’ till now... :o

Cheers, Oolon

[Dr.GH]

Oolon, You prove the point that is does not require an advanced degree to A) understand basic principles, B) use basic principles to reject the creationist of Intelligent Design mythos, and C) effectively debate creatos.

Have you read

Mayor, Adrienne
2000 The First Fossil Hunters: Paleontology in Greek and Roman Times. Princeton University Press

I'll bet you would enjoy it (as would others).

[Doubting Didymus]

Originally posted by Oolon Colluphid
My BA (hons), Classical Studies, has proved highly relevant ever since I did it. [/sarcasm] ;)

Biology and chemistry A Levels gave me enough to make Dawkins etc easy reading, and ever since then I’ve been collecting pop science and textbooks (Futuyma, Gilbert, Brock, Eckert, Bush, Brown, Benton, Klein, Clarkson, Carroll etc) with the aim of eventually reading and understanding them all.

Which I why I’ve not owned up to my ‘qualifications’ till now... :o

Cheers, Oolon

Your story could practically be mine, Oolon, with one exception: Halfway through my useless arts degree I decided 'You know what? This is crap. I want to study biology.'

I'm still there, studying away. I'm making it my permanent goal in life to learn as many things as I possibly can about everything. I don't know what I'll do for a living, and I don't care.

[kaidi06]

B.S. in Management Information Systems from Drexel University. Been working for about a year and a half in the pharmaceutical consulting field. My goal is to return to Drexel next year to pursue a M.S. in Science Communication.

[faded_Glory]

Dr.GH wrote:

And I have 2 or 3 new pubs. Not bad for around 18 months (well, too few pubs-- I have spent too much time on internet evo/creato).

RBH wrote:

Pubs in control system design, human skilled behavior, human memory, and emergency medicine.

You know, it took me a few moments to realise that you guys are talking about publications, not bars.

That’ s American vs. English for you :D

fG

[faded_Glory]

Originally posted by JaeIsGod
Well , actually , it's quiet rare. I just live in one of those areas that hasn't catched up with the 19th century yet :)

Let me guess... de Veluwe?

fG

[Dr.GH]

Who said, "England and America! Two great nations separated by a common language." ?

[Godot]

Originally posted by Dr.GH
Who said, "England and America! Two great nations separated by a common language." ? Ummm.... you just did.

[JaeIsGod]

Originally posted by faded_Glory
Let me guess... de Veluwe?

fG

Worse. Staphorst , semi-famous for the religious lunatics =[

[KC]

Originally posted by Dr.GH
Who said, "England and America! Two great nations separated by a common language." ?

That quote has often been attributed to Shaw. Regardless who said it, it's true. Imagine the reception my father, fresh off the boat from England, got when he said he had knocked up a neighbor's wife. ;)

KC

[Dr.GH]

Imagine the reception my father, fresh off the boat from England, got when he said he had knocked up a neighbor's wife.


My favorite is very similar. I had an English foreign exchange student in one of my high school classes. One day, she used the phrase "knocked up" (to visit) which caused great hilarity. A friend whispered the American usage. She then thought for a moment, and said "OH!" When the teacher asked her is there was anything wrong, she replied, "No, I am sorry I ejaculated."

[demoninho]

Originally posted by JaeIsGod
Worse. Staphorst , semi-famous for the religious lunatics =[

Semi-famous more like infamous, top 3 religiously fanatic towns in Holland
1. Staphost
2. Urk
3. Spakenburg

[faded_Glory]

Originally posted by JaeIsGod
Worse. Staphorst , semi-famous for the religious lunatics =[

You're from Staphorst? You must be posting this on a Sunday with the curtains closed!

fG

[JaeIsGod]

Originally posted by faded_Glory
You're from Staphorst? You must be posting this on a Sunday with the curtains closed!

fG

Haha , luckely my father isn't from Staphorst (he is from a neighbour town which is slighty less fundie) , so my fundie mom doesnt have full power ;)

Otherwise I wouldnt sure as hell wouldn't be allowed to use the pc on sundays. And its still illigal for me to watch tv on sundays :)

[Muad'Dib]

Originally posted by Oolon Colluphid
Hmmm. Does my O Level in biology count?

<ignorant american> Um, what's an "O"? </ignorant american>

[demoninho]

Originally posted by JaeIsGod
Haha , luckely my father isn't from Staphorst (he is from a neighbour town which is slighty less fundie) , so my fundie mom doesnt have full power ;)

Otherwise I wouldnt sure as hell wouldn't be allowed to use the pc on sundays. And its still illigal for me to watch tv on sundays :)

Liberals, I used to have fundie neighbours who were not allowed to watch television or listen to the radio at all!

> sorry for the derailment <

[JaeIsGod]

Originally posted by demoninho
Liberals, I used to have fundie neighbours who were not allowed to watch television or listen to the radio at all!

> sorry for the derailment <

Haha , now plenty of those.My mothers side of the family belongs to the heaviest church in Staphorst and they scare me :)

[Mullibok]

Originally posted by Muad'Dib
<ignorant american> Um, what's an "O"? </ignorant american>

If you've read Harry Potter, an O level is equivalent to the OWL tests in the last book, only without the magical topics. ;)

[Paul2]

i'm majoring in undecided.

but i'll probably pick a business degree of some sort.

[Oolon Colluphid]

Originally posted by Muad'Dib
<ignorant american> Um, what's an "O"? </ignorant american>
Minimum, secondary schooling ends at 16 in the UK. In my day (early ’80s) there were two types of exams: ‘O’ (‘ordinary’) levels, for the brighter ones, and CSEs (certificate of secondary education) for the lower lot. (An A at CSE was supposed to = a lowest pass C at O level.) At the end of the ’80s these were all replaced by GCSEs (general certificate...).

If you stay within school-type education after 16, there’s then A (= ‘advanced’) level exams, 2-year courses, so usually taken at 18. They are the main things that university entrance is judged on.

(Of course, I’m not expecting ignorant Americans to follow all that... ;) :D :p )

Cheers, Oolon

[Worldtraveller]

Wow, what an diverse, and dare I say, weird....group we got here.
Well, my only degree is in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona. Yes, that means I really am a rocket scientist. :D
And although it’s only a BS, it took me ten years to get there. Of course, it doesn’t help me a lot when it comes to debating some of the finer points of biological/paleantological arguments for evolution, but I try not to let that stop me. I find a lot of the ‘fun’ classes I took along the way are more useful: astronomy, humanities, philosophy.
I’ve been working as an aircraft structures analyst, doing finite element modeling (FEM) of interior structures for VIP aircraft since I graduated.
Currently working in Germany, and really enjoying my time abroad.
Unlike some others on this board, I like to ride a mountain bike, so I can’t ride a bike in a straight line. The desert trails of Arizona are some of the most beautiful, rugged trails you can ride, but veering into a cactus is something I don’t want to experience.:cool:
I also tend to read a lot, sci-fi, fantasy, and just about any science or technology magazine/book I can get my hands on.
I love to toot my own horn...errr...I play sax. :) And my hobbies/interests are far too many to list here, although I can tell the difference between a great tailed and boat tailed grackle, as long as I got my field guide...
Some great threads are always ongoing on these forums, and it’s been a blast so far!

Cheers,
Lane

[Muad'Dib]

Originally posted by Mullibok
If you've read Harry Potter, an O level is equivalent to the OWL tests in the last book, only without the magical topics. ;) D'oh! I knew it looked familiar. :o

Originally posted by Oolon Colluphid
Minimum, secondary schooling ends at 16 in the UK. In my day (early ’80s) there were two types of exams: ‘O’ (‘ordinary’) levels, for the brighter ones, and CSEs (certificate of secondary education) for the lower lot. (An A at CSE was supposed to = a lowest pass C at O level.) At the end of the ’80s these were all replaced by GCSEs (general certificate...).

If you stay within school-type education after 16, there’s then A (= ‘advanced’) level exams, 2-year courses, so usually taken at 18. They are the main things that university entrance is judged on.

(Of course, I’m not expecting ignorant Americans to follow all that... ;) :D :p )

Thanks Oolon! I done tried my bestest to follow...:D

[Muad'Dib]

Just so I can post on-topic for once, here are my credentials...;)

I have a B.Sci. in mathematics and computer science, and am currently a mathematics Ph.D. student. I haven't chosen an emphasis yet, but it will probably be either algebra or logic.

I've done a little bit of web programming and a little bit of application development; I like Visual Basic in the same way I like to be awakened by rabid squirrels gnawing at my legs.

I can read Koine Greek with the help of a lexicon, cook waffles, and sing the Japanese words to just about any anime theme song I've seen.

[wdog]

father (1 boy, 2dogs)
PhD optics (there is such a thing) about 10-20 pubs
I make killer salsa and lattes
amateur economist
basketball, biking, working out kinda guy
wrote 1 VB program
I'm real good at Starcraft, especially when I'm protoss

interested in religion and politics, and I came here mostly to be taught, not to teach

I agree with the assesment that anyone with reasonable intelligence can pick apart creationist arguments, but it is too bad that real science is so much more developed since the average person doesn't understand enough to make good comparisons

[JaeIsGod]

Originally posted by wdog
father (1 boy, 2dogs)

I'm real good at Starcraft, especially when I'm protoss



Have the balls to back up that statement? =p

[wdog]

back which one?

I do have a boy, so my balls were functioning at least 14 years ago. dogs?? doesn't take balls

as for the starcraft, I play on battlenet sometimes, US east gateway, my game name is neutrino. I'll mop the floor with ya if we play BGH or fastest. :D

[Insomniac Dreams]

I have some quite bizarre qualifications - I studied English Lit., Theatre Studies, Phys ED. and Biology at A-level......I think it was on the basis that if all else failed at least on some level I oculd become a teacher.....

I gained a BSc (hons) in Anatomy and Human Biology, which included vertebrate palaeontology and primate evolution. I also studied a few archaeology modules which switched my allegiance from straight gross anatomy to anthropology. I am now about 2 weeks away from handing in my Masters dissertation in Forensic Anthropology. My dissertation itself doesn't exactly pertain to forensic work - it is more archaeozoology based, but has potential practical applications to forensic work.....

Hopefully then I will get a job, and start saving money so I can do that PhD thing.

[Roland98]

Originally posted by Insomniac Dreams


I gained a BSc (hons) in Anatomy and Human Biology, which included vertebrate palaeontology and primate evolution. I also studied a few archaeology modules which switched my allegiance from straight gross anatomy to anthropology. I am now about 2 weeks away from handing in my Masters dissertation in Forensic Anthropology. My dissertation itself doesn't exactly pertain to forensic work - it is more archaeozoology based, but has potential practical applications to forensic work.....

Hopefully then I will get a job, and start saving money so I can do that PhD thing.

Loved anthropology in college; almost went that route instead. Forensic science is another area I like to read about, but one that I'll gladly leave the practice of to other scientists. Cool stuff, ID.

[Insomniac Dreams]

Thanks Roland98. I can give you some good books to read if you wan tto get into more forensic stuff......oddly, Kathy Reichs novels are good, but then she was a forensic anthropologist, so I'd expect them to be. She deals with loads of new ideas in forensic anthropology, although its quite irritating to read if you know more that the lay person :) unfortunately she is now 'too busy' to supervise potential PhD students..... :mad: but anyhoo....theres plenty more fish in the sea as they say.

[Dr.GH]

My favorite forensic site is:

http://medstat.med.utah.edu/kw/osteo/index2.html

But I am biased as they carry one of my pieces (faunal taphonomy).

[Roland98]

*bump* in case any newbies want to add information about themselves

[Sven]

Thanks, Roland98. I'm not really a newbie :) , but missed this thread so far. Ok, here we go:

Diploma (not quite a Master, but more than a Beachelor) in organic chemistry

Hopefully will finish my PhD (Doktor) in theoretical (=quantum) chemistry in october.

Both done in Heidelberg - perhaps the only university of Germany known in the USA ;)

Author of 7 publications, "first author" of 6 of them.

And, as an aside: Taught many pupils and students (quantum) chemistry and math.

[Steve_F]

Just graduated with a first in Earth Science. Have got funding for a masters in Quaternary Science. Hope to do a PhD.

[doubtingt]

I have a Ph. D. in Cognitive/Social Psychology with a minor in research methods and statistics. I currently have a post-doctoral research position at a university.
My research focuses evidence-based versus emotional-based routes to developing beliefs, conclusions, theories, etc.. I study not only how beliefs are formed, but how their underlying psychological structure impacts the comprehension of concepts relevant to those beliefs and how (or if) belief are revised in the face of belief conflicting information. One of my goals is to apply these issues to improving science education, particularly the teaching science as a method of inquiry.

Evolution/Creation is obviously an excellent context to explore these psychological issues. In addition, I've had a long standing interest in and appreciation for evolutionary theory itself. Other than intro biology courses, my education about evolution is largely informal relying on (critically not blindly) sources geared towards non-specialists, such as Dawkins, Dennet, Gould, and others.

[Garnet]

This is why I lurk in here. I have an AA in Legal Assistant Studies and a BS in Justice Studies. When I left college, I didn't let the door hit me in the butt on the way out...I was so tired of formal education.

Anyway, I don't have any real scientific education, just things I've picked up here and there as I've found interesting. I've learned a lot in here and enjoy reading the threads. Who knows..some day I might even get the courage to post something or ask a question.

[walt6]

I'm not a scientist, but I eat in the same cafeterias as many of them. This of course makes me eligible to .....

I have a degree in accounting, and have extensive education and work in computing. Over the years my work has led me to observe the work in several leading research facilities. I have had the good fortune to do a lot of touring of world class research programs. Occasionally I rub shoulders with the scientists. As a class of people, they are great. I can see the spark in their eyes when they talk about their work. And they usually are able to explain things in language I can understand.

Not having the same level of expertise as those in their field, I mostly follow the threads. Every once in a blue moon, I add a tidbit.

Walt

[KeithHarwood]

I could have sworn I'd posted to this thread, but I can't find it so perhaps I didn't.

PhD in physics sometime in the twelveth century. Well, perhaps a little later than that, but not much. I invented an infra-red spectometer that didn't have any refracting components and tried to use it to measure the height profile of atmospheric gasses like methane and ammonia.

Went over to the dark side and became a sort of engineer. Got a few patents in both electronic hardware and (much later, when it became possible to do so) software.

Worked for the Anglo-Australian Observatory for a few years, so I can do a pretty good impression of a professional astronomer.

Can read Egyptian hieroglyphics with great difficulty and occasionally get it right.

I act on stage, which I enjoy but don't get paid for, and television which I don't enjoy but do get paid for (but not much).

[paradigm9]

bs in biology, ms in molecular biology, phd candidate in molecular and cellular oncology
i teach part time to master's students oncology and molecular oncology and work in signal transduction and high throughput pathway mapping/functional genomics in human tumors. i helped develop two major techniques in molecular biology and i'm generally an overall nuisance in the lab.

i'm sorta an odd person in the usual science company...i'm loud, outgoing and generally obnoxious at times, i lift weights religously, play guitar in a thrash metal band, was trained in classical guitar for 5 years and play it on the side, put a 3,000wrms stereo in my mercedes, and built a distributed cluster on my floor at work without anyone knowing that i hijack their computers if they have resources available :) (no reason for ppl to have dual g5's if all they do is surf and read email)

[Nice Squirrel]

BA in Geography minor in Anthropology. Currently working administering a medical research grants program and studying forest ecology (No degree program planned, 'cause I'm lazy and the classes are free for me.)

Former seasonal Park Ranger at Voyageurs National Park, former bus driver in Denali National Park. I'm a printmaker, armchair historian... okay I'm just fascinated by everything.

[DinoStoned]

College student studying Physics, Biology and Chemistry (and getting piss poor marks for all of them too)

I can put together a Gundam MG model within two hours, complete with extra paint-job and markings, and I'm a master of the AK-47 in Counter-Strike too, if it matters...

[Vicar Philip]

Changed major so many times, settled for an A.A. in Liberal Arts in Junior college.
Majored in Recording Engineering for 2 years at SIU - Carbondale.
Changed major to Classical Guitar for 1 year.
Changed major again to Electronics Technology, didn't quite earn my Associates.
Became a radio engineer, worked as Chief Engineer for several stations over a decade.
Made the big move to TV and have been a Television Chief Engineer for three years now.
Always loved science and gained a deep respect for the regulars on this board.

[TaO!]

Long time reader, infrequent poster. Just a few things I've done.


I have a Cert III in Health and Fitness
Qualified Combat Engineer for the AUS military.
BSc in Biological Science with a Conservation Biology supporting major.
Currently enroled to do a BSc in Physics next year.

[LambdaCalculator]

I don't have any credentials in biology, or any real academic credentials whatsoever for that matter. I'm still in high school.

Right now I'm learning (on my own) how to program A.I. in Python and LISP languages, and I frequently read pop-science books. But that's about all I have for now.

When I graduate from high school I plan on majoring in computer science, I plan on making my living as a computer software development engineer.

[KC]

::comes out of closet:::

Bachelor's degree in Genetics, 1976, UC Berkeley.

Cheers,

KC

After spending time as a Life Insurance Underwriter, Mainframe programmer and IT manager, went back to school at Central Missouri State University, and am working on a Master's in Conservation Genetics and Metapopulation Ecology. Having a great time, but being old enough to be my advisor's father can get a bit weird.

KC

[Roland98]

After spending time as a Life Insurance Underwriter, Mainframe programmer and IT manager, went back to school at Central Missouri State University, and am working on a Master's in Conservation Genetics and Metapopulation Ecology. Having a great time, but being old enough to be my advisor's father can get a bit weird.

KC

That's awesome! Glad you're enjoying it. What are you doing your research on?

[Eternal]

BA mathematics, three MS degrees (statistics, mathematics, biostatistics).
I have a big interest in evolutionary biology (punctuated equilibrium, in
particular).

-Chris

[Jet Black]

MSci Physics, MSc Optics and Photonics and I am currently doing a PhD in organic display technology. I learn degree level biology on the tram to work. I think I might drop it all and do biology afterwards.

[KC]

That's awesome! Glad you're enjoying it. What are you doing your research on?

I'm looking at genetic variation in fragmented Missouri glade populations of the Texas Mouse, Peromyscus attwateri. Ive started trapping this summer taking tissue samples (non-lethally, thank goodness), and I'll be holed up in the winter doing AFLP on them. The mouse isn't endangered, but we think it has been fragmented and isolated (in Missouri, not the rest of its range) for a long time, so any data on the genetic structure of these populations wil be of interest to conservation biologists as examples of long-term viability in response to fragmentation.

KC

[OneWayTraffic]

I thought it would be nice for future reference to have a list of peoples expertise and credentials.

So how did you come by your knowledge in Biology and how long have you been studying it?

Myself I have a degree in Maths/Physics and my interest in Biology is strictly layman albeit a rather educated layman thanks in part to websites like this.

[RBH]

There's an earlier thread (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=38438&page=1) on this. You might post your OP as a Reply on it and thereby bump it up.

RBH

[Roland98]

Actually I'll just merge these. Neater that way.

Edit: done.

[OneWayTraffic]

What about a sticky for this?

[breathilizer]

I have you all beat. I'm a high school graduate. Ha!

Anyway, I just completed my first semester of community college in the spring, taking Government and Philosophy. I passed both with noproblems whatsoever.

Now, I'm going to go to the Army. One reason for going is that I want to go to any college I want (within certain limitations) when and if I get out. The tricky part will be figuring out what college I want to go to. I plan on reading a lot of books while I'm overseas. I'll cover a few bases; evolution, theology, political science, philosophy, cosmology, and history. Depending on which books I find the most interest in, I'll choose my major. Hopefully I'll read some books written by currently teaching professors and that may steer me towards a particular school.

So you may ask, why would anyone with this ambition and focus want to go to the Army and not the Air Force? Well the answer to that isn't simple, but notice where I said I may be interested in political science? ;)

If anyone has any tips about what books to read about any of the mentioned fields of study (possibly written by currently teaching professors), please fork over the information! I'm going to buy a few before I leave (won't be until next year). I'll have my family mail others.

Any advice?

Edited to Add: Oh, and I have smoked a lot of weed in the past 6 years, so if you have any stereotypical views of stoners, I hope this helps you reconsider them.

[RBH]

Advice? Join the NAVY! :) See the world! (Well, shoot, the world is 3/4 water, ain't it, and sea duty isn't that bad. And you might get to see a lot of that wet 3/4.)

RBH

[breathilizer]

Advice? Join the NAVY! :) See the world! (Well, shoot, the world is 3/4 water, ain't it, and sea duty isn't that bad. And you might get to see a lot of that wet 3/4.)

RBH
No thanks. I's go crazy if I were stuck on a ship for 6 months. I'd rather be somewhere where I could have a good chance to learn about the culture. Making a few pit stops in Europe won't cut it.

Besides, I want to be a soldier, not a skipper.

[wstaylor]

Greetings All,

Relatively recently, I re-entered a mid-sized midwestern university, after a twenty-year absence, to complete a B.S. degree (majors: Physics, Mathematics; minors: Anthropology, Psychology, Computer Science). I should be finished in 2 to 2.5 years. Once this task is completed, I will enter a Ph.D. program in Physics – however, I do have certain desires regarding the fields of Astrophysics/Astronomy, Mathematics, and Anthropology. My long-term goal is a research and teaching (tenure-track) position at a medium to large university.

Cheers,
Scott

[Roland98]

Very cool! :thumbs: But wow, is that a lot of majors and minors!

[wstaylor]

Greetings,

Thank you for the kind words. My original plan did not involve a double major with triple minors (plus, the university is trying to get me to switch to the Honors College, and I am still considering adding a fourth minor - in Philosophy). However, life has a way of rearranging events that requires you to adapt. I had major surgery the second week into a Fall semester, which caused the dropping of the entire course load that term. Some of those dropped courses are only offered once a year; therefore, I could either sit out the following Spring semester (I was reasonably well by then) and wait for said classes to be offered again next Fall, or I could take other subjects in which I have interests. Obviously, I decided to attend that Spring and take other subjects – hence the addition of the Anthropology and Psychology minors.

All told, I am a wee bit behind some of the members on the board (education-wise), but I will eventually catch up.

Cheers,
Scott

[Algis Kuliukas]

I got a BSc (Joint Hons) in Zoology/Pharmacology at Nottingham University. After twenty years out of academia, working in IT, I returned to university to do a master's at UCL in Human Evolution.

I enjoyed it so much I wanted to do a PhD but couldn't afford to do it in the UK so we used it as an excuse to emigrate to Australia where I'm currently enrolled at UWA. My chosen subject is studying the feasibility of a wading component in the origin of hominin bipedalism.

Algis Kuliukas

[Narapoia]

BSc Pharmacology and honours in Medicinal Chemistry.

[Dr.Xu]

BSc in Biological Sciences (University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil) then a PhD in Human Genetics (also from USP).

After that, moved to Rio, where I just completed a post-doc in Genetics of Cancer at the Brazilian equivalent of the National Cancer Institute.

Six month before completing my post-doc, I was selected to work as Associate Professor of Human Genetics in the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. I am not teaching yet because there is sooooo much red tape for public jobs that I am still waiting to sign my contract. (but if they wait too long before they call me, I won't be here anymore...)

[MushMouth]

I live next to a library.

[Smiter_of_Evilution]

B.Sc (1st) & MA Theoretical Physics - University of Cambridge (Kings College)

PhD Theoretical Astrophysics - California Institute of Technology. (started at Cambridge but transferred to CalTech)

PostDoc - Institute of Astronomy Cambridge & Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Professor of Physics & Astronomy for the last 20 years.

[IamMoose]

Greetings,

Thank you for the kind words. My original plan did not involve a double major with triple minors (plus, the university is trying to get me to switch to the Honors College, and I am still considering adding a fourth minor - in Philosophy). However, life has a way of rearranging events that requires you to adapt. I had major surgery the second week into a Fall semester, which caused the dropping of the entire course load that term. Some of those dropped courses are only offered once a year; therefore, I could either sit out the following Spring semester (I was reasonably well by then) and wait for said classes to be offered again next Fall, or I could take other subjects in which I have interests. Obviously, I decided to attend that Spring and take other subjects – hence the addition of the Anthropology and Psychology minors.

All told, I am a wee bit behind some of the members on the board (education-wise), but I will eventually catch up.

Cheers,
Scott

Hiya Scott, nice to see you back!!

[Roland98]

Portions discussing Smiter's beliefs moved to here. (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=114515)

[primate]

Rev. Pri Mate, GED
Curator of paleontology, astrophysics, AiG Creation Museum

[Gliptic]

Curator of paleontology, astrophysics, AiG Creation Museum (emphasis mine)

I hope that's a joke. :eek:

[badger3k]

Since I've been posting a bit and haven't seen this (well, once before, but I forgot to go back to it), figured I'll pop off about myself (and help bump the thread up for others).

I have an Bachelors in Biology, leaning more towards ecology and evolutionary biology; minored in Anthropology - would have double-majored but my ROTC/military science committment took too much time. Interest in a lot of things, mostly ending with -ology. Poor physics background, and not a lot of chemistry - and only had one course in genetics back in '88, so I am learning a lot of here and elsewhere.

I've just registered to get a teaching certificate, and in the Fall I should (hopefully) be teaching high school biology. The E/C forum has been great prep for both questions and possible problems, and has helped me remeber my past knowledge and learn much that is new to me.

Future plans - hopefully get a masters or doctorate, but I'm not sure in what - I like ecology and paleanotology, but behavior has also been an area of interest. Of course, there's also my anthro studies, possibly archeaology.... lot's of ideas, but nothing definite yet.

[IvanJames]

Bachelor's of Fine Arts from Swain School of Design (in Graphic Design), University of Massachusetts (Dartmouth)...in other words, pretty much no credentials whatsoever that might help me here in the slightest. But i like science! :D

---Ivan James

[anthrosciguy]

I hadn't posted in this thread yet, but here it is.

I have no formal credentials whatever, and know what I do for two reasons.

One is that I'm a reader and have always been interested in science, especially social science and biology, and I'm -- for some reason -- very good at library research, figuring out where the info I want might be even when I know little or nothing about the info I want when I start looking. I've learned that this is not that common a skill and a bit odd, and I have no idea how I got it; I always seem to have been able to do this sort of thing. I've also learned that in the real world, it's not valued very highly, particularly monetarily. :)

I wrote a beginner's book on UNIX in the mid-80s, starting from no computer experience, which taught me that computers were kinda fun, that e-mail (which at the time you had to explain to most people what it was when you mentioned it) was the coming thing (and so, I predicted, was junk mail, which we now call spam -- not that that was a difficult prediction), and that at that time if you wrote a book on UNIX people assumed you had a doctorate in compter science, which explained why most of the books of the time were too thorough and complicated.

The other reason I know what I do started with my meeting and getting together with a fairly well-known (in the field) anthropologist by the name of Nancy Tanner some 27 years ago, and later working with her doing research and editing (eventually writing her talks cause she used a writing style that wasn't the best for talks). We also went to conferences together for years and after her death I gave a talk at a conference in Monaco that she had been scheduled to give. It went pretty well (several folks there said they liked my off the cuff talk better than Lionel Tiger's, who was the other plenary speaker) -- I also learned that talking for 40 minutes wasn't all that hard if you just don't worry about it beforehand. My technique for taking my mind of the upcoming talk? Bumper cars all evening down at the harbor -- trust me, it works great. :) My brother had told me that in France they encourage head-on crashing in bumper cars and that's true in Monaco as well; plus they have a little slot on the car you can just drop your francs in so you never have to leave the car. Try it if you're in the neighborhood.

After that it was online newsgroups that kept me looking up stuff, correcting misinformation that always popped up and answering questions that peopel had when I knew something about the subject.

[perfessor]

I wrote a beginner's book on UNIX in the mid-80s, starting from no computer experience, which taught me that computers were kinda fun, that e-mail (which at the time you had to explain to most people what it was when you mentioned it) was the coming thing (and so, I predicted, was junk mail, which we now call spam -- not that that was a difficult prediction), and that at that time if you wrote a book on UNIX people assumed you had a doctorate in compter science, which explained why most of the books of the time were too thorough and complicated.
So you're a Unix programmer? If the company nurse drops by, tell her "never mind". (From Dilbert)

I'm an electrical engineer. My father was an m.d., so I always got a good perspective on biology growing up.

[anthrosciguy]

So you're a Unix programmer? If the company nurse drops by, tell her "never mind". (From Dilbert)

I'm an electrical engineer. My father was an m.d., so I always got a good perspective on biology growing up.

Not at all. I never used a computer until trying things out when I wrote my book. And it was a beginner's book, but that didn't stop my publishers (both PhDs in Compter Science) from assuming I had a PhD -- now that I thought was indicative of why the books were slanted too much toward experts back then. It just isn't that hard to figure out how to make a few directories and use some text editing and email, even if it was harder back then.

[Stella]

That was really fun reading about you all!

I dropped out of high school because I have the attention span of a cricket. I returned in my latish 20's with some hare-brained plan to get a PhD in astrophysics.

I got the BS last December and I'm thinking I don't want to continue. I have more than average research experience for an undergrad, and while I really enjoyed the research I loathed the writing. Loathed it. Ok maybe I didn't loathe it. But the mindless data mining was a lot easier =) I worked for months for 4 measely pages which I could barely put together sensibly. That was a very humbling and depressing experience.

Especially because I love writing. I really expected to be good at it. And, despite the poor quality of my posts, I think I'm pretty good at it. When I bother to clean it up anyway.

I was a telescope operator during college and if I could do that for the rest of my life without pursuing an advanced degree, I would in a heartbeat. I love night time, the sky, the equipment.

Alas, I have to pay the bills.

None of this has anything to do with the evo/cre debate. I just find it fascinating to watch. And I learn tons without havng to pay for it, and it inspires me to learn more. I guess that's why I like it so much, it's just an incredibly interesting mix of shifting alliances, science, philosophy, personalities, politics, religion. It has all the elements of a great drama and a great debate!

You really couldn't ask for a better show to be on the sidelines for =)

[cajela]

Hi, just saw this thread referred to and thought I'd add my bit. As far as studying evolution goes, I'm an interested amateur, I guess you could say. Or a support worker.

I have a BSc in physics (1st class hons, nuclear physics)
MA in Philosophy of Science (Logic; Postmodern & 'feminist' critiques)
Grad Dip in Computer Science (practical stuff - databases, programming)

For the last 7 years I've worked in biology, doing bioinformatics for geneticists and other researchers. Everything from sequence matching to genome database searching to protein structure analysis to statistics of phylogenetic trees... It's lots of fun. And yes, nothing in the biology I see makes sense except in the light of evolution. I'm fascinated and terrified by this forum - I wonder if the American fundy disease is going to spread.

[TaO!]

B.Sc. Biology with Conservation and Biomedical Science supporting majors. Bioinformatics and Computational Biology are my main interestes out of uni, mostly gene expression in relation to disease. :thumbs:

[critter]

Finished a BSc Zoology and Tropical Ecology/Marine Biology a couple of years ago.

Currently I'm halfway through my PhD involving forest bird communities and disturbance. I've been living in a tent in a tropical forest for 2 years in Bolivia doing this and other research.

My wife is a primatologist from Sweden (Hejsan hejsan! Jag tycker om Sverige jatte mycket!). (I have to practice my Swedish at every opportunity...) She worked on Orangutans for her masters, but her PhD involves Spider monkeys. While working for Wildlife Conservation Society last year we discovered a new species of primate.

So I work primarily in the fields of ecology and conservation biology but my honours involved sexual selection in frogs.

Oh and I also have a completely unrelated bachelors degree in Commerce :huh:

To any high school students reading this...if you really really want to work as a biologist, but your folks tell you there is no point and you should study something that is guaranteed to get you a job...don't listen!!! :thumbs:

[critter]

I'm fascinated and terrified by this forum - I wonder if the American fundy disease is going to spread.

I hope not...maybe the rest of the world can learn just how silly it all is by just watching from the sidelines.

:notworthy In the meantime, let us pray to God almighty that it doesn't come down under... :notworthy

[Joe Meert]

To any high school students reading this...if you really really want to work as a biologist, but your folks tell you there is no point and you should study something that is guaranteed to get you a job...don't listen!!! :thumbs:

JM: Go into geology instead. I have employers calling me up begging for grads. Jeg kan snakker bare lit norsk.

Cheers

Joe Meert

[Stella]

JM: Go into geology instead. I have employers calling me up begging for grads. Jeg kan snakker bare lit norsk.

Cheers

Joe Meert

Really? I was actually considering switching to geology.What kind of employers? Please don't tell me contruction companies ;)

Or does that mean "Just kidding. You'll never get a job" in swedish?

[Giggle]

I'm currently in my first year studying for a degree in Arch and Anth at Cambridge.

I'm currently undecided about which one (out of Archaeology, Social Anthropology and Biological Anthropology I'm going to carry on next year), although it will probably be Bio Anth.

If there's anyone here who's studied any of those three and could give me some advice I'd be very grateful! :)

[Oolon Colluphid]

As this thread seems to be both popular and useful in an on-going, long-term kind of way, we have decided to sticky it.

Hope we don't come unstuck.

[Eoraptor]

Being as I am young and naive, my experience is nothing to most of yours, but here goes anyway:

A Level Psychology, English Literature, Politics - AAB (yes, i do have a split personality between humanities and sciences)

AS Level (a smaller one year version of A level) Human Biology, Photography - BB

Currently in first year of a Bsc in Psychology and Philosophy at The University of Nottingham; may go on to do masters, far too early to tell

Avid photographer and traveller - seen a lot of europe, africa and india, hoping to teach english in japan after university.

Trying to learn as much as I can about evolution from this (and other sites); mostly failing... :rolleyes:

[bluesky]

Oooh! I have credentials now, so I can post!

Just got a BS in Biology from Truman State University, minor in (biological) psychology

[RBH]

Congrats, bluesky! Have any contact with Taner Edis (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1573929778/internetinfidels/) there?

RBH

[Matty]

Wow, theres the odd smartarse round here then!! - Not that you need to see qualifications to know that of course.

BS in Applied Biology and various top up modules, vocational courses etc. Have worked in cell biology for a 10 years or so as research associate or similar in marine biology, clinical and academic haematology, oxidative damage and cancer research.

Currently manage the Flow Cytometry and Confocal Microscopy facility for Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. (Analytical services, protocol setup training etc for the various depts though officially part of the Cancer Biology and Genetics dept)

Our new(ish) incarnation of the facility website (http://meds.queensu.ca/qcri/flow/cri-cm.htm) if any of you want to take a look at some of the rather nice photomicrographs (IIDSSM!! ). Constructive criticism alsways appreciated.

[Aegeri]

I have a Bsc in Microbiology and I'm about to finish my honors, moving onto my PhD next year (In immunology).

[bluesky]

Congrats, bluesky! Have any contact with Taner Edis (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1573929778/internetinfidels/) there?
Thank you!!
I didn’t get to take any classes with Dr. Edis, but I did get my copy of ‘Why Intelligent Design Fails’ signed!
(Matt Young signed it too when he came to campus—lol I am such a nerd!)

[French Prometheus]

I have the French equivalent of a MS in physics from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Physique de Grenoble (http://www.enspg.inpg.fr/en/index_en.html), another MS in material sciences and nanotechnology from the Université Joseph Fourier (http://www.ujf-grenoble.fr/ujf/fr/welcome.phtml). A few months ago I also got a phD from the latter.

[ninewands]

Well, here goes:

I have a BS in Biology and an unspecialized BS in Engineering from back in the Stone Age (make that Paleolithic Era (1970's) :) ). In the course of obtaining these degrees I also took about 26 semester hours of chemistry and 26 of math. I took about 2/3 of an MBA before I figured out that they were going to FORCE me to take accounting to get the degree, and my latest foray inthe student world netted me a JD.

I'm working as a Unix system and Network administrator at a rather sizable tier II research university in Texas.

[RidgeBe]

I am proud to be a new part of this august group.

I have a Ph.D. with honors from NYU in Industrial Human Relations, with a concentration in Psychometrics (the measurement of mental attributes); am a Diplomate in Industrial/Organozational Psychology, and my current interest is in the measurement and remediation of multiple intelligence following the theories of J.P. Guilford. I've had a PC since 1982, and written all of my statistical software since the then statistical software was not only not only usr unfriendly, but downright antagonistic. Before this academic activity I was a BioMed major who had to quit because of alergies to biochemical solvents

[Martin B]

I have my B.Sc. (Hons) Biology from McGill University (2004). My undergraduate thesis was on an extinct group of lobe-finned fishes known as rhizodontids.

I'm currently a Ph.D. student at Uppsala University (where Linnaeus taught) where I continue researching lobe-finned fishes.

I've been interested in evolution since I was quite young. Nothing could've prepared me for my first experience with a young-earth creationist. This isn't to say I wasn't ready to answer him, but rather my astonishment that such people even existed! Since that day, I had never been more convinced that evolution was actually correct and that people need a solid science education!

[RBH]

Welcome to II, RidgeBe. We look forward to your participation.

And ninewands and RidgeBe, I did my dissertation analyses on a CDC 6600, and I remember when computers glowed in the dark and heated large buildings. And I'm still pretty good at converting binary to octal in my head so as to remember all those damned glowing lights on their so-called "display". :)

RBH

[travc]

I have a BS in "Engineering and Applied Sciences" from Caltech ('96) and worked a few years with Christoph Adami and Charles Ofria on artificial life stuff. Then went on to UCLA where I am at now slowly working towards a PhD in Evolutionary Biology.

Nothing that should really count as "creditials" IMO, but Adami joked about my background by comparing me to Stiesand's character in "What's Up Doc"... For any topic that came up, I've seemed to take at least one class or worked a summer job that was relevent. Ok, enough showing off ;)

[goozlefotz]

I am retired now, but have experience and training in several fields. After high school I worked at the Telephone co for a couple of years and then went to college at Portland State in Physics. I went to one year of full time grad school but the meager stipend led me to go to work. Later I moved to St. Louis and achieved an ABD for a Ph. D. in applied physics at Sever Institute of washington U. After a stint as a cryptologist with the Navy during vietnam, I went to H-P in Colorado Springs, where I was manager of their CRT department and got an MSEE at U of Colorado. I spent the next few years designing spacecraft - spy satellites - before going to work for the Army in Yuma doing missile tracking computers. Then I spent the last ten years or so doing embedded microprocessor systems as a consultant. Now I am back in Yuma, living in an RV park.


David L. Granteer, MSEE, PE
LCDR (Cryptology) USNR (Ret)
Life Senior Member of the IEEE

[Peez]

Martin B:
I have my B.Sc. (Hons) Biology from McGill University (2004). My undergraduate thesis was on an extinct group of lobe-finned fishes known as rhizodontids.Aaaak! A McGilligan! ( :) As a lecturer at Con U I have to react that way :) ).

Peez

[Dr.GH]

I'm currently in my first year studying for a degree in Arch and Anth at Cambridge.

I'm currently undecided about which one (out of Archaeology, Social Anthropology and Biological Anthropology I'm going to carry on next year), although it will probably be Bio Anth.

If there's anyone here who's studied any of those three and could give me some advice I'd be very grateful! :)

Anything other than social. Biological anthropology might be more employable, but it is getting crowded.

[joseftu]

BA in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley
MA in Teaching English in Secondary Schools from Columbia U Teachers College
MA in English from the City University of New York
PhD in English from the City University of New York

currently Associate Professor of English.

All of which makes me totally unqualified for this forum--so I mostly read! ;)

(But I did work for a small circus when I was younger. Stagehand and cage-boy. There are few more skilled than I at shoveling lion crap. And that smell never comes out of coveralls!)