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Featured speakers Kathryn Applegate and Oscar Gonzalez

ONLINE: AETH's Third Latino/a Encuentro of Theological Education

02June
Date and Time:June 02, 2021 11:00 AM — to June 04, 2021 7:00 PM EST
Location:Online
Organizer:Association for Hispanic Theological Education
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02June

BioLogos Voices speaker Kathryn Applegate and BioLogos Advisor Oscar Gonzalez will present “How can the church bring about reconciliation between faith and science?” at the Association for Hispanic Theological Education’s Third Latino/a Encuentro of Theological Education (3ELET) on June 2 at 3:00 PM. They will be joined by co-presenters Samuel Caraballo and Ruby Gonzalez-Rios. BioLogos Advisor Elizabeth Conde Frazier is a conference facilitator. The theme of this virtual conference is “The formation of leadership for wholistic mission in times of change: shaping a collaborative vision for this decade” and will be taking place from June 2-3, 2021.

“The church has a significant role to play in shaping the attitudes of Christians with respect to science. Many young people who are interested in scientific careers do not feel supported by their faith communities. Even worse, they believe the church is actively opposed to modern science: studies suggest that anti-science attitudes and lack of openness to questions are among the top reasons why young people leave the church. In this seminar, we will hear the stories of three people who have personally experienced this tension. Ruby Gonzalez-Rios will share how she experienced a profound sense of isolation as she pursued her scientific training. Kathryn Applegate will tell her own story of coming to peace with science and share some practical resources for helping to start conversations in schools and churches. Samuel Caraballo will share how his study of genetics and his having a child with Down syndrome led to an expanded understanding of what it means for people to bear God’s image, which isn’t always easy for Christians to accept. Oscar Gonzalez will talk about finding a link between nature conservation and the practice of Christian faith through creation care. The presenters will then engage in an open Q&A about how the church can be a place of reconciliation, not war, between science and faith as well as about the important role theological programs should play in the formation of pastoral leaders that can create that space.”

This event is hosted by the Association for Hispanic Theological Education.


Featured speakers

Photo of Kathryn Applegate

Kathryn Applegate

Kathryn Applegate supports Development and Programs at BioLogos, having been with the organization since 2010. With a Ph.D. in computational cell biology from Scripps Research in San Diego, CA, Kathryn combines scientific expertise with a deep passion for advancing conversations at the intersection of faith and science. After a fulfilling 12-year tenure at BioLogos, Kathryn took a hiatus to focus on family before returning in 2025, more committed than ever to its mission. As the organization’s first Program Director, Kathryn played a pivotal role in organizing transformative events, including two landmark Celebrating Creation conferences with Rev. Tim Keller (2010, 2011) and the Biology by the Sea series of workshops for science teachers. She later led a $5.3 million subgrant program, funding 37 teams across six countries to explore the integration of evolution and Christian faith through scholarly work and accessible resources (2012-2015). Kathryn also launched the Public Engagement program at BioLogos, which included establishing a speakers bureau and organizing national conferences aimed at fostering public dialogue on science and faith. As Resources Editor, she co-edited How I Changed My Mind About Evolution (InterVarsity Press, 2016) alongside Jim Stump and led the creation of Integrate, a curriculum designed to equip parents and educators to navigate the complex relationship between science and faith. Outside of her work at BioLogos, Kathryn serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the American Scientific Affiliation, an organization that has been connecting Christians in science since 1941. She also leads the meals ministry at church and helps organize the annual book fair at her children’s school. In her free time, Kathryn and her family love traveling and discovering Michigan’s state parks and beaches. She also enjoys curling up with a good book, accompanied by their adorable Cavapoo, Teddy.
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Oscar Gonzalez

Oscar Gonzalez is a Biologist, born and raised in Peru. He earned a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Ecology at the University of Florida, a M.Sc. in Zoology at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Peru), a Master in Tropical Biodiversity Management at the Universidad San Pablo CEU (Spain) and a B.Sc. in Biology at the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (Peru). He did postdoctoral research on hummingbird ecology at the Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo in Mexico. He investigates topics on tropical Ornithology, plant-animal interactions, conservation, and the positive interaction between science and Christian Faith. He has several publications in English and Spanish about bird ecology, and Christianity and science. Currently, he works as assistant professor of Biology and Ecology in Emmanuel College in Georgia and as vice president of Grupo Aves del Peru.