Interview with Dr. Goodwin

KidsView: What do you do, and what was your favorite part of your job?

Tom Goodwin: I was a biology professor for many years before I retired. I taught biology to college students and did research with a special interest in fossils from the Ice Age. What I most enjoyed about my job was discovering new things about God’s creation and then teaching others. It was especially fun to help “infect” students with a love for nature.

KV: Did you always want to be a biologist and paleontologist, or did your interests change over time?

TG: I did not develop my interest in biology and paleontology until I was a junior in college, and took a class that helped me see how interesting these fields were. And it wasn’t until just before I graduated from college that I decided to pursue a career in those fields. Before that, I planned to be a pastor (I graduated with degrees in theology and biology).

KV: What are some of the coolest places your work has taken you?

TG: Two places stand out to me. One is the Galapagos Islands. I got to go there as a naturalist for a photography tour, and the wildlife there is just stunningly interesting.  So many unique animals live there, and they are often easy to see up close. The other is Peru, where I helped some friends with a study of fossil whales that were found in the deserts there. Just fascinating, giant animals, often very well preserved.

KV: What skills should young people develop if they want to work in science someday?

TG: First, keep fostering your natural curiosity! You can think of scientists as “grown-up kids” who never lost that curiosity to understand how things work! Second, study diligently in school. Scientists read and write a lot, so work to master those skills. Also, take all the science and math classes you can take. They will help you develop the knowledge and skills important for scientific study.

KV: How can someone use a career in science to serve Jesus?

TG: Jesus is the Creator of the world we study, so whenever we come to understand it better and share with others what we are learning, I believe we are serving Jesus. Also, as a teacher, one can help students not only understand creation better but also come to appreciate Jesus more.

KV: What message would you like to share with KidsView readers who are wondering what God wants them to do when they grow up?

TG: Keep curious, study diligently in school, find out what kinds of things really interest you, and always be willing to explore new interests if you sense God is leading you in that direction! That is what happened to me.