Ohio State Marion Assistant Professor of Physics, Chris Orban was recently chosen for funding in the 2016 Battelle Engineering, Technology and Human Affairs (BETHA) Endowment annual grant competition. BETHA grants support projects that examine the complex relationship between science and technology on society and cultural issues. In total, 19 proposals were submitted for consideration.
Orban was selected to receive one of only six Battelle Engineering, Technology and Human Affairs Endowment (BETHA) grants. His proposal "The Revolution in Cosmology and Fr. Georges Lemaitre's Hidden God" was chosen to receive funding in the amount of $25,000 for 2016-2018. Recipients and their guest were recognized at a luncheon on April 19 at the Faculty Club.
Chris Orban is a 2011 Ph.D. graduate of The Ohio State University. He is currently an Assistant Professor in Department of Physics serving at the Marion campus.
The Revolution in Cosmology and Fr. Georges Lemaître’s Hidden God is an interdisciplinary study of the life, work and thought of the astrophysicist-priest who was one of the most remarkable figures of early 20th century cosmology. Lemaître helped lay the groundwork for the Big Bang theory, and his life and work represents one of the most interesting interactions between science and faith in the 20th century. The project will involve a collaboration between members of Ohio State’s physics, astronomy and philosophy departments to develop coursework to teach about Lemaître and the wider context of his work, a student-led STEAM project to depict the expansion of the universe and public lectures on Lemaître’s life, work and his philosophical and religious thinking. Christopher Orban, assistant professor of physics, is the principal investigator.