At the College of Life Sciences’ Faith and Science Seminar on Thursday, September 12, students were uplifted and edified by Dr. Matt Bailey from the Department of Biology and Dr. Matt Seeley from the Department of Exercise Sciences. As the 2024 recipients of the Spiritually Strengthening Award, they were given the opportunity to share a message at the college’s annual faith and science event.
The Spiritually Strengthening Award is unique as students nominate a faculty member each semester who has elevated their understanding of scientific topics by incorporating faith into the classroom or lab. The award honors faculty who have made a spiritual impact on their students.
Dr. Matt Seeley: Lessons
Seeley shared the lessons he has learned throughout his educational journey. During a stressful PhD program, he learned how to confront life’s fears by singing the hymn “How Firm a Foundation,” a song that has brought him comfort ever since he was a master’s student.
The second lesson he shared was to stick with God’s plan. In 2017, after much fasting and prayer, Seeley and his family decided to move so he could work as a visiting scholar and collaborate with researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This move was an anxious time for Seeley, as he and his family were comfortable where they were. But after taking time to reflect, he took to heart a lesson from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s 1999 campus devotional: “beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing.” Because Seeley followed the prompting to move, he completed research on gait and ACL surgery. “We're so glad we didn't succumb to the fear,” Seeley said.
Tying his third lesson to the Strong Youth Project, Seeley shared how the team developed the project’s initiatives and goals through spiritual guidance received from attending the temple and praying together. “We wrestled over and sought for inspiration over the name and logo for months,” reflected Seeley. “In hindsight, we believe it was all inspired.” Seeley wanted students to understand that when they’re doing something challenging, they can turn to God and He will guide them and help them succeed.
Seeley took the opportunity to share a story about one of his students, Jared Steele, who was baptized while attending BYU. Seeley explained that fellow students who weren’t afraid to “be bold and faithful” invited Steele to temple open houses and meetings with the missionaries.
Seeley also invited Steele and other students to Sunday dinner. These meals together strengthened the students as well as his family.
At the end of his discussion, Seeley reiterated how valuable the temple is in receiving revelation relevant to research or life decisions. He encouraged students to follow President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to attend the temple as often as possible.
Dr. Matt Bailey: Paths and Perspectives
Bailey’s presentation focused on the two key questions he asks students who come to his office worried about their futures: “What do you believe that nobody else does?” and “What is the coolest thing that you’ve ever built?“ Bailey hopes that reflecting on these two questions will help students process their personal life paths as they make decisions about their future.
To inspire students to reflect on these questions, Bailey shared his own path and what motivated him along the way. Scriptures like D&C 130:18-19 and quotes from Gordon B. Hinckley’s address, Stay on the High Road, served as catalysts for his own educational journey. People like his mission president were mentors who guided Bailey even in his uncertainty.
While initially, it can be overwhelming to choose the right path amidst so many options, Bailey countered that everyone has already made difficult decisions. Rather than focus on the plethora of future options, focus instead on working hard regardless of the choice. “If you stick with your choice and work hard, you can see, ‘oh, it's not so scary,’” Bailey said. “Make a choice and stick with it.” He further emphasized how being yoked with Christ, and trusting in the divine process of revelation helps make decisions easier.
To conclude his speech, Bailey urged students to “Choose to build something great for God. There's so many opportunities. Find an opportunity and try to build something while you are here. That experience will be transformative!”
Seeley and Bailey both emphasized how working with students to create spiritual experiences has been one of the most rewarding aspects of their career. They hope that their students will carry the spiritual messages into their futures as scientific researchers.