Track Leaders

David Blaauw received his B.S. in Physics and Computer Science from Duke University in 1986 and his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois, Urbana, in 1991. He spent several years working for Motorola, Inc., in Austin, Texas, and is currently a Professor at the University of Michigan in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He teaches classes on chip design and his research is in the area of ultra-low-power processor design. He is married with three kids (ages 10 to 14) and is an active member and elder at Knox Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has been interested in the topic of how the Christian faith intersects with science and engineering for a number of years.

Dr. David Gill, PE, earned his Ph.D. at North Carolina State University in Mechanical Engineering. He earned his MSME from Purdue University and BSME from Texas Tech University. He is currently a Principal Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories where he conducts research and development on high-precision manufacturing processes. Previously he worked with Caterpillar Tractor, Inc., Mobil Oil, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. He currently lives in Albuquerque, N.M., with his wife, Lynn, and 2 children. He is an elder, Sunday school teacher, and bass player at his church.

Program Summary

The pervasive use of technology in today’s society, ranging from the clothing we wear and the bread we eat to the latest electronic gadgets, reveals that technology and the engineering that creates it is a fundamental force in human flourishing. Each of us has experienced this force at times as a great blessing, a burden, or even a bane in life. In our society, some approach technology with euphoric optimism as the solution to the world’s problems and others with deep distrust or even repulsion.

In this track, we will explore what role technology and engineering play in the Kingdom of our Savior. In particular, we will examine two issues. First, how do we as engineers engage in the engineering enterprise in ways that foster flourishing of ourselves and of those in our immediate community? We will hear practical advice from those that have approached their profession as a calling by God with God-honoring balance and habits.

Second, we will examine the product of the engineering enterprise. As followers of Jesus, how do we act as faithful stewards of our skills under God’s rule and produce technology that pleases Him and contributes to the flourishing of his creation? The technology that we create, shepherd, and in some cases, redeem, puts us in a unique position to do great good or great harm. Does technology impact the physical aspects of creation only, or also emotional and spiritual dimensions? To what extent does the responsibility for technology’s pervasive societal and natural consequences rest with the users of technology versus its creators? How can those of us working on fundamental technologies control or even foresee the consequences of our work? Is our work pleasing to God even if we are not creating, for instance, water purification systems for sub-Saharan Africa? We will seek to address these age-old issues in today’s context to both challenge and empower Christian engineers to conform their engineering practice and products to God’s will and glory.

We will hear from seasoned professionals in the engineering disciplines who have thought extensively about these problems and have demonstrated lives shaped by the conviction that their entire vocation lies under the jurisdiction of their Savior. The track will consist of a range of presentations, panels, small-group discussions by interest and discipline, reflection, and prayer time.

Our hope is to exhort and encourage those in our discipline of its worthy calling and remind them of the opportunities it yields to model the kingdom of God, offering hope to our fallen world.