In this regular feature at The Well, we hear the stories of women seeking to follow Christ in the university and professional worlds. A Voice at The Well: Sarah Wynia Smith Current position: Graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine Area of interest: Physiology, specifically cardiac arrhythmias Originally from: South Dakota

What specific research are you involved in?

I’m studying molecular mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias. It turns out the heart is easily made to malfunction by drugs that are intended for other things. Actually about 50 percent of all drugs being tested induce arrhythmias in some people. I’m trying to find out at the molecular level why this happens.

How did you come to study this?

I had always wanted to be a medical doctor and probably would have gone to medical school had I not worked in a hospital during college. One thing I learned about myself while working there is that I like to invest in people but had a very difficult time when people in my care died. I found myself pulling away and decided I couldn’t do that distancing thing that I imagine doctors have to do.

I had been told that I was a natural at teaching, which I have always really enjoyed, so decided the best thing for me may be to teach the next generation of doctors instead of being one myself. I chose physiology because I see it as the most holistic of the disciplines in medicine, concerned with the whole body.

What do you enjoy about your study or your research?

I enjoy learning broadly more than doing intensive, narrowly-focused research. In fact, I’m often way more interested in everyone else’s research than in doing my own!

How does your faith connect with your study?

As with any research, I’m figuring out what God created in the first place. It’s really cool—even though it’s a lot of work.

How is your work relevant to other Christians?

Because I’m a scientist I have some ability to evaluate hot issues such as evolution, the biological basis for homosexuality, and stem cell research. Christians often don’t want to go deeper into these issues to understand them as they may be afraid of where it will lead. I think Christians who are scientists can be a real resource for the Christian community.

What gives you the most challenge in your current study?

I am in the research phase of my dissertation and I want to teach. Research is getting into the nittier, grittier part of things and I’m chomping at the bit to get into the classroom and see the whole picture.

A book you would recommend?

I really enjoyed The Language of God by Francis Collins, director of the Human Genome Project. The book is a discussion of the project and of the themes of creation and evolution. Collins is a Christian and as well respected a scientist as you can get.

Other interests?

I play trumpet for worship and for a folksy band, The Pine Box Orchestra, and enjoy spending time with my new husband (a fellow grad student and cello player for the PBO). I’m also involved in IV grad group leadership and like to run or cross-country ski depending on the weather.