Meet the 2021 Physics and Engineering Scholarship Recipients

“Bethel’s Physics and Engineering Scholarship Program greatly increases the number of really good students in our department and in Bethel in general,” says Brian Beeckan, department chair and professor of physics and engineering. “Having good students is a key to having a great program. We can do so much more in terms of research, grants, and growth with good students. And it is all so much fun!" 

Two full-tuition and two $10,000 scholarships—renewable each following year—have been awarded to incoming physics and engineering students with academic promise and outstanding passion for their field. All 45 applicants answered the questions: “What is it that makes you passionate about physics and/or engineering? Why do you want to study it at Bethel specifically?” The department then invited the applicants to visit the 15 newly renovated lab spaces, connect with 10 current students to see their professional level research first-hand, meet with the department’s prestigious faculty members, and hear from two alumni who shared their personal experiences. By the end of their visits, the applicants could all imagine what life in Bethel’s physics and engineering department would be like—academically, professionally, and personally as they’ve already begun developing influential relationships.

“It is so exciting to see so many outstanding young people interested in Bethel,” says Beeckan. The scholarship’s only downside? “We only have four awards to give.” We are honored to award this year’s scholarships to these stellar students who love physics and engineering almost as much as they love Jesus.

Paul Guertin

Award: Full Tuition

Computer Engineering | Mathematics and Data Science

"Personally, I see stars as an image of God, both in their beauty and the fascinating physics God created to form them. By studying physics, I am drawn closer to God through my curiosity of how He designed the universe. Currently, I plan on studying computer engineering. Through this major, I hope to use the creativity God has placed within me to tackle the exciting challenges in the computer technology industry. In my free time I enjoy programming and designing circuits, so I am fairly certain computer engineering is the perfect fit for me. This school year, I have been blessed with the opportunity to study and live at Bethel as a PSEO student, and it has truly been one of the greatest experiences of my life. At Bethel, I know I am a part of something greater than myself. I am able to study physics with brilliant peers and be a part of a Christ-centered community striving to do God’s will. At Bethel, I hope to continue the relationships I’ve made and become the light bearer God is calling me to be."

Abigail Green

Award: Full Tuition

Applied Physics with a Biomedical Emphasis 

"The study of physics is based off one simple question: 'why?' No matter how strongly people try to deny it, I believe that the answer to this question always points back to God. I am passionate about physics and engineering because it speaks to the sovereignty and intentionality of our Creator in a beautiful, concrete way. Studying complexities of the world surrounding us brings the opportunity to create through engineering, and in doing so, imitate our Maker. I would be honored to study physics and engineering at Bethel University because it is an environment which would allow me to thrive in my passions. The academic rigor of Bethel’s programs, the new facilities, and the multiple nearby internship opportunities make Bethel my ideal school. When visiting, I saw the close relationships between faculty and students, as well as the students' bonds with each other. Community is something I value greatly, and I knew the people at Bethel would help me to grow and thrive in my faith." 

Garrett Schindler

Award: $10,000 Scholarship

Electrical Engineering

"Since a young child, I have been awestruck by the machines that power the modern world, especially the electronics that bring the internet to the fingertips of billions of people. This interest has translated into a respect for the design, the building, and the use of animated and electrical contraptions. And furthermore, it has turned into a love for engineering. Regularly innovating and problem solving are two characteristics that make electrical engineering more enticing to me than any other career pathway. The engineering education at Bethel University holds a lifetime value far greater than that of any other college program. Not only do students develop their knowledge regarding the inner workings of machines, they also learn to appreciate the way God has engineered the world around them. I have an eagerness to establish the necessary skills for successful employment, but I also have a longing for the community and spiritual growth that will last far beyond the days of my career. Bethel offers an opportunity to pursue both engineering and God in the same environment."

Emily Farley

Award: $10,000 Scholarship

Applied Physics with a Biomedical Emphasis 

"I want to be a biomedical engineer because I want my work to make a difference in someone else’s life. I instantly gravitated towards the medical field because of this. While researching, I came across biomedical engineering and instantly fell in love with the idea of it. Biomedical engineering gives me the opportunity to help people while using math, my favorite subject in school. My mom has Type 1 diabetes, so I’m excited by the idea that I could be a part of a group that designs something that makes someone like her have a simpler life. I chose Bethel because I loved the Christian atmosphere and focus when I visited. I also love that undergraduates are able to participate in research. At Bethel, I feel like I would be able to grow in my faith while receiving a quality college degree. I want to be in an environment where my faith is accepted and encouraged."

Study physics and engineering at Bethel

There has never been a better time to begin studying physics or engineering at Bethel. The department—which ranks in the top 15 of undergraduate departments by size nationally—has doubled the square footage of its labs and research spaces in the last three years. The program has significant funding from the National Science Foundation and global research partnership with organizations like Fermilab in Chicago and CERN in Switzerland.

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