Catholic Scientists for Your Student to Admire

It’s often thought that faith and science are incompatible; however, that’s not the case. These Catholics were phenomenal scientists and upheld the teachings and beliefs of the Church while making exciting discoveries that benefited the world. If you have a young scientist at home, teach her about these Catholic role models, and encourage her to use her passion to make a difference!Roger BaconAs an English philosopher and Franciscan friar, Bacon was a major component of experimental science. He studied mathematics, alchemy, languages, optics, and astronomy, and even proposed flying machines and mechanically-propelled ships and carriages. He also studied the nature of light and rainbows.Henri BecquerelIf you have a child who dreams of going into the medical field, he’ll be interested to learn about Becquerel! He received the Nobel Prize in physics for co-discovering radioactivity, a discovery which has furthered many fields of science, not the least of which is medicine and modern cancer treatments and prevention. Roger BoscovichBoscovich was a man of many hats; he was a physicist, astronomer, mathematician, philosopher, diplomat, poet, theologian, and Jesuit priest. He gave the first geometric procedure for determining a rotating planet’s equator and for computing its orbit. Nicolaus CopernicusA trailblazing astronomer, Copernicus is best known for his belief that the Earth actually orbits the sun and not the other way around, as was the common belief for many years. Rene DescartesFamous for one of his many philosophical quotes: “Cogito ergo sum” (I think; therefore I am), Descartes is often credited as “The Father of Modern Philosophy.” However, your children will likely recognize his name from math class! He is known for “Descartes’ Rules of Signs” and also introduced what is now known as the standard algebraic equation.St. Hildegard of BingenMuch of what Hildegard von Bingen studied (like most medieval scientists) would be unrecognizable as “science” today. Yet, she remained very influential in the fields of physics, philosophy, naturalism, composition, poetry, and language. (For her amusement, she even created her own language!)Sr. Mary Kenneth KellerA pioneer in computer science, as well as an educator and religious sister, Keller was the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science in the United States. She was also one of the first two people in the country to earn a doctorate in the field. Not only is she a great role model for her faith and brilliant mind, she’s also an inspiration to young women everywhere interested in the sciences!Georges LemaitreKnown as the father of the Big Bang Theory, Lemaitre was a Belgian Catholic Priest, astronomer, and professor of physics at the Catholic University of Leuven. He also conducted research on cosmic rays and the three-body problem.Our blog page has helpful hints for parents to encourage their children to excel academically, spiritually, and socially. To learn more about Catholic schools of Orlando, contact us at 407-246-4800.