Some of you may remember me :-)
I know Martin Gaskell. In fact he was my daughter’s undergraduate research advisor. She is now completing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at Cornell.
He did an outstanding job as advisor to the undergraduate research program here at the University of Nebraska. Many of his students have gone on to pursue doctorates and careers in astronomy. He is not a Young Earth Creationist, and he teaches orthodox astronomy. His religious views, which are pretty mainstream, do not in any way impact his teaching. His only involvement with anything to do with evolution here in Nebraska was that he was faculty advisor to the Intelligent Design club. As a matter of fact, they asked me first (because knowing I was a conservative they thought I must be an evolution-skeptic) and I advised them to talk to him. Undergraduate clubs deserve a faculty advisor, whether or not he wholeheartedly embraces their views.
I am an atheist and an outspoken critic of creationism. At the same time, I think this is a travesty, and I hope Gaskell wins. Gaskell is a fantastic teacher of astronomy; at the university, he was evangelical about his science, not his faith.
There is no place in science for this sort of intolerance.
Thanks for the info. I wish all atheists were as open minded and tolerant as you.
All the best to your daughter :)
Give your daughter my best wishes for a successful career and a successful life.
HELLO Right Wing Professor! It's great to see you again! (You have been missed.)
I hope you won't be a stranger around here. I'd love it, if you would share your views re: "creationism" from time to time.
Thank you so very much for the conclusion your drawn re: the travails of Martin Gaskell: "There is no place in science for this sort of intolerance."
I so agree!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!