DR. JOEL DUFF

Writing, Speaking, and Thinking about Life, Time, Purpose and Christian Faith

Dr. Joel Duff is known for his interest and extensive work in exploring the intersection of science and faith, particularly from a Christian perspective.


PERSONAL IDENTITY

Christian, Husband, and Father

Preachers Kid and grandson of two preachers all in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church
Christian in the Reformed Tradition (See my What I Believe page)
Husband for 28 years (Love ya Dawn)
Five living children with three still at home

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Genetic Variation Across Taxonomic Levels  

B.S. Calvin College (Biology)
M.S. University of Tennessee (Botany)
Ph.D. University of Tennessee (Botany, Plant molecular systematics)
Research Curriculum Vitae (professional publications)

TEACHER/SPEAKER

Professor of Biology and Speaker  

Professor of Biology, University of Akron
Speaker for non-profit organization: Solid Rock Lectures
Independent speaker on science and faith topics
Professional publications and grants

AUTHOR/WRITER

BLOGGER

The Natural Historian.com

Naturalis Historia: Examining the Intersection of Science and Faith
More than 450 blog posts over a 10 years span
17th and 18th century natural historians
Human origins topics
The Book of Genesis  
Natural History stories

CURRENT PROJECTS

Ongoing Initiatives

Distilling John Sailhamer: My views on Genesis and origins questions
Middle East Geology and the Biblical Timeline
100th anniversary of the Scopes “Monkey” Trial
Consider the Ostrich: Examining questions of biological origins
What effects did the Fall of Man have on the physical creation?

AWARD WINNER

Professional Accolades

Professional Service/Community Outreach, 2023. College of Arts and Sciences, University of Akron
Sullivant Award – Best paper in the journal “The Bryologist” for 2008
Early Career Research Award, 2004. College of Arts and Sciences, University of Akron
Honors Colloquium Instructor of the Year 2000/2001, Honors College, University of Akron
Margaret Menzel Award – Best paper: Genetics Section of the Botanical Society of America. 2000
Professional Promise Award, College of Science, University of Tennessee, 1995
Edgar Wherry award: Best Student paper AIBS Pteridological Section, 1994

PHOTOGRAPHER

Beechnut Photography

Portraits of Creation: Macroscopic and landscape photography of Ohio and the western US.
View, download and use my photography for free at Beechnut Photography


Shaping My Beliefs

Our beliefs and convictions are not born in isolation. They are the culmination of countless influences—conversations, experiences, and, significantly, the books we read, the lectures we listen to, and the voices we pay attention to. My journey has been shaped by numerous thinkers, writers, pastors, friends and even antagonists.
On the page “Ideological Blueprints” I share with you a collection of preachers, authors, books, and articles that have profoundly shaped my perspectives in all areas of life’s endeavors over the years.
I find a significant alignment with the way these thinkers approach not only their disciplines but also how they navigate the complexities of life. It is my hope that by sharing these influences with you, you might find similar inspiration and guidance in your own journey. I wholeheartedly recommend exploring these resources, as they have been instrumental in shaping the convictions I hold today.”

My Core Beliefs

Below are some links to documents, books and people that share many of my primary theological and cultural convictions. For a much expanded list including my views on various issues related to the intersection of science and faith see my “Ideological Blueprints” page and “What I Believe” page for the core tenets of my beliefs about science as a reformed Christian.

Disclaimer

The thoughts that I have shared here, my blog and YouTube channel do not represent any institution with which I am employed, am a member (my church) or am a volunteer. The thoughts I have expressed in old writings or videos may have changed over time and thus don’t necessarily represent my current state of thought on some topics. This page and my collective writings and talks represents an opportunity for me to sharpen my own thinking even while sharing some of the knowledge I have gained over 30 years of reading and writing about science and faith..

Contact

Have a question, interested in an interview or having me give a presentation? My hope and prayer is the the words below are not true of myself. Contact me at Historiaplantarum@gmail.com.

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions

2 Timothy 4:3

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Ephesian 4:29