Loren Haarsma


Loren Haarsma

Education

  • BS physics and mathematics, Calvin College, 1985
  • MS physics, University of Washington, 1987
  • PhD physics, Harvard University, 1994

    Professional experience

    • Associate professor, Calvin College, 1999–present
    • Post-doctoral research in neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, 1997–1999
    • Post-doctoral researcher in neuroscience, Tufts University, 1994–1997.

    Academic interests

    I teach all areas of undergraduate physics, with a particular interest in quantum mechanics and biophysics. I also study issues at the intersection of science and Christian faith.

    Learn more about my latest book here: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/when-did-sin-begin/406831

    When Did Sin Begin cover.jpg

    Research and scholarship

    Electrophysiology; computer modeling of self-organized complexity; science-and-Christian-theology

    I use a technique called electrophysiology to attach tiny electrodes to cells and measure the flow of electrically charged ions through the membranes of living cells. Working with collaborators, I have several ongoing projects. One recently completed project with John Ubels (Biology) studied how high levels of potassium ions in tear fluid helps project cells on the surface of the eye from UV damage, and investigated the early steps of how UV radiation damages these cells. A new project with Paul Harper (Physics) will use ion channels in artificial lipid membranes to study the biophysics of lipid molecules

    I am currently working on a book project on human evolution and the doctrine of original sin.

     

    Publications

    When Did Sin Begin? Human Evolution and the Doctrine of Original Sin. Loren Haarsma (Grand Rapids, Baker, 2021).

    “Patch-Clamp Recording of K+ Current from Lacrimal Gland Duct Cells,” Loren D. Haarsma and John L. Ubels. June 13, 2019. BioRXiv.

    “Three Mis-Understandings About God-Guided Evolution,” The BioLogos Forum, April 16, 2019.

    “Christ and the Cosmos: Christian Perspectives on Astronomical Discoveries,” Deborah Haarsma and Loren Haarsma, in Christ and the Created Order, Andrew Torrance and Tom McCall, eds. (Zondervan, May, 2018)

    "Resource Criticality in Modern Economies: Agent-Based Model Demonstrates Vulnerabilities from Technological Interdependence." John Sherwood, Anthony Ditta, Becky Haney, Loren Haarsma, and Michael Carbajales-Dale, September, 2017. BioPhysical Economics and Resource Quality 2(3): 9.

    “The Original Couple: What are the Range of Viable Positions Concerning Adam and Eve?” in Old Earth or Evolutionary Creation? Discussing Origins with Reasons to Believe and BioLogos, Kenneth Keathley, J.B. Stump & Joe Aguirre, eds. (InterVarsity Press Academic, July, 2017)

    “TNF-R1 and FADD mediate UVB-Induced activation of K+ channels in corneal epithelial cells.” Peter M. Boersma, Loren D. Haarsma, Mark P. Schotanus, and John L. Ubels, January, 2017. Experimental Eye Research, 154, 1-9.

    “Apoptosis of corneal epithelial cells caused by ultraviolet B-induced loss of K+ is inhibited by Ba2+.” Courtney D. Glupker, Mark P. Schotanus, Loren D. Haarsma, John L. Ubels, July, 2016, Ocular Surface 14:3 pp. 401-409, doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2016.05.001.

    “Simulating evolution of protein complexes through gene duplication and co-option.” Loren Haarsma, Serita Nelesen, Ethan VanAndel, James Lamine, and Peter VandeHaar, 2016. Journal of Theoretical Biology 399 pp. 22-32 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2016.03.028

    “Involvement of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in ultraviolet B-induced apoptosis of the corneal epithelial cells.” John L. Ubels, Courtney D. Glupker, Mark P. Schotanus, Loren D. Haarsma, 2016. Exp. Eye Res. 145, 26-35.

    "Using Scripture to Interpret Science: Celebrating God’s Accommodation" The BioLogos Forum, October 21, 2015.

    "Using Scripture to Interpret Science: More Than ‘All Truth Is God’s Truth’" The BioLogos Forum, October 14, 2015.

    "Using Scripture to Interpret Science" The BioLogos Forum, October 8, 2015.

    "Why the Church Needs Multiple Theories of Original Sin (Part 2)" The BioLogos Forum, June 3, 2015.

    "Why the Church Needs Multiple Theories of Original Sin" The BioLogos Forum, November, 2013.

    Ubels, John L., VanDyken, Rachel*, Louters, Julienne R.*, Schotanus, Mark P., Haarsma, Loren D. "Potassium Ion Fluxes in Corneal Epithelial Cells Exposed To UVB." Experimental Eye Research, 92:425-431, 2011.

    John L. Ubels, Mark P. Schotanus, *Susan L. Bardolph, Loren D. Haarsma, *Leah R. Koetje, *Julienne R. Louters, 2010. "Inhibition of UV-B induced apoptosis in corneal epithelial cells by potassium channel modulators." Experimental Eye Research 90, 216-222.

    Loren D. Haarsma "Scientific Knowledge Does Not Replace Religious Knowledge"; "God, Evolution, and Design"; and "Human Evolution and Objective Morality." Science and Religion in Dialogue Vol. 1, ed. Melville Y. Stewart (Wiley-Blackwell) 2010, p.151-201.

    *Katherine R Singleton, *David S Will, Mark P Schotanus, Loren D Haarsma, *Leah R Koetje; *Susan L Bardolph; John L Ubels, 2009. "Elevated Extracellular Potassium Inhibits Apoptosis of Corneal Epithelial Cells Exposed to UV-B Radiation". Experimental Eye Research 89, 140-151

    Loren D. Haarsma "Scientific Knowledge Does Not Replace Religious Knowledge", "God, Evolution, and Design", and "Human Evolution and Objective Morality." Science and Religion in Dialogue, ed. Melville Y. Stewart (Peking University Press), 2008, in Chinese translation.

    Loren Haarsma, 2007. "Is Intelligent Design 'Scientific'?" Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith: Journal of the ASA 59, 55-62.

    Deborah B. Haarsma and Loren D. Haarsma, A Reformed Look at Creation, Design, and Evolution (Faith Alive Christian Resources: Grand Rapids), 2007.

    L. Haarsma, "Physics: What are Matter and Energy at the Most Fundamental Level?", in Not Just Science: Questions where Christian Faith and Natural Science Intersect, ed. Dorothy F. Chappell and E. David Cook (Grand Rapids: Zondervan) 2005.

    L. Haarsma, "Evolution and Divine Revelations: Synergy, Not Conflict, in Understanding Morality" in Evolution and Ethics: Human Morality in Biological and Religious Perspective, ed. P. Clayton and J. Schloss (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans) 2004.

    Science and Christian Faith

    Loren Haarsma speaks and writes about the relationships between science and Christian faith.

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    Origins

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