Steven Hall

Biomedical Engineering

Louisiana State University

I was born in Geneva New York, near the shores of Seneca Lake.  I have always enjoyed God’s beautiful creation, and this has influenced my personal, professional and spiritual life.  I work as an environmental and ecological engineer, believing that humans can be a positive influence, but recognizing that we have selfish and short sighted tendencies as well.  As a professor, I profess to my students about technical and ethical issues.  I met my wife at a Christian environmental studies center, and have a particular passion for creation care in my personal as well as professional life.

Biographical Information

As mentioned in my short sketch, I work in the field of environmental, ecological and biological engineering.  I believe this is a calling, allowing me to be of service to the needs of humans for food, fiber and education, while having the ability to positively influence others.

I also have the opportunity to attempt to care for God’s creation. My students may hear about my faith, or my perspective on certain ethical issues, as a Christian.   But more often, I seek to “preach the good news at all times, and when necessary, use words.”  I hope my life and actions may be a working out of my beliefs, that I may care for my family and loved ones, guide my students, and treat all with respect and dignity as children of God.  I also hope there is balance in my life as I spend time with my family, serve the kingdom of God in my local church and community, and pursue professional and personal callings.

I have been blessed by God and pray that I may give back to others, and that the blessings in my life may be blessings for many others, and for God’s good Creation.  If you wish to contact me, feel free: shall [at] bae.lsu.edu.  What follows is a more professional description of my work, but I believe you will see teaching, ethics and integration reappearing throughout.

Personal Story

What is life for?  Once the small questions, the survival questions of everyday life, are answered, why, truly are we here?  I, for one, am sincere in seeking an answer to these questions.  You may argue that I am prideful to even seek such an answer, but it seems to be a calling, a major purpose, on my life, so I seek with a sincere spirit.

I was raised in a small town, went to a moderate Protestant Christian church, public schools, and state universities.  During my college years, I sought the answer to these questions in many different churches, sects, books and experiences.  Yet I did not seem to get a clear answer.

The certainty of a Creator God grew in my mind and heart, but the knowledge and understanding of God was still distant.  I traveled in many countries and had many challenging and eye-opening experiences.  I changed my career from mechanical engineering to seek to “change the world” by learning and applying knowledge of alternative energy sources.

Still I was seeking the most important things.  Yet I was very selfish and frightened at times.  My relationships reflected this and I was not as respectful, loving and open as I would have wished.  Nevertheless, I sought new education and went from New York to California to study for an advanced degree.  It was there that I saw a sign which read in big letters “E. N. G.”

I was drawn to the poster, and as I continued down the hallway, I could not quite see what it said, only that there were words underneath.  As I approached, I finally read what it said underneath: “Engineers Need God”, and under that, “Call Pete for a Bible Study”.  I went to my lab and called Pete’s number.  He invited me to study the Bible, and this eventually led to my accepting Jesus and developing a personal relationship with Him that continues to this day.  It has been through that relationship that I have found more satisfying answers to “what am I here for?” and related questions on the meaning of life.

I have explored a variety of philosophical, ethical, religious and spiritual issues, and have slowly come to both a deeper appreciation of the wonder and beauty of this complex world, and also some pragmatic ways to deal with these questions.  I have learned the discipline of prayer to the Creator, of trust that God’s ways, though mysterious, will eventually be revealed.  I have submitted to the practice of seeking wisdom in spiritual books, and, on a regular basis, in the holy book of the Christians and Jews, the Bible.

As a committed Christian, I have submitted my life to the Lord and Redeemer of my life, and I believe, of this world.  And I seek to integrate my faith and work in this life.  In such a quest, I seek wisdom through prayer and meditation, reading and discussion, but also in more formalized activities, and also visits with individuals and to spiritual communities throughout the world.

I feel that those nagging questions were my initial tentative response to God, and I have sought to integrate my faith and work.  As a professor, I try to share my beliefs in a Creator and Redeemer, my belief that there is meaning to life, and some of my personal calling to be a “Christian environmentalist” or to partake in Creation care.  If God created it and called it good, we should take good care of it.

This is sometimes a challenge to Christians and sometimes a challenge to environmentalists, but perhaps that is what a calling is – something that takes us all out of our comfort zone and helps us see just a little of God’s view, to “help” God take care of His creation, as my 1 year old daughter helps me take care of the house or yard.  I hope this has struck a chord in your life, and that you seek a personal relationship with God, or seek to deepen the one you have.