Organic Chemist and Pastor

George May FRACI CChem

Why Chemistry?

I went to university intent on studying biology and mathematics, but soon discovered how much I enjoyed chemistry, in no small part due to my first-year lecturers and tutors. I also found that I did well at it. It was while I was an undergraduate that I became a follower of Jesus, and developed a desire to pursue Christian ministry, in which I have been involved ever since, full time as a minister now for some 20 years.

From the age of 11 or 12, I have been fascinated by science. There is a sense in which chemistry underlies everything in the world around us (though a physicist might say the same about that discipline too). This has always been part of the appeal and I continue to be interested and to read and stay in touch where I can. Interestingly, on my visits to Tanzania, I discovered that there are not only great needs to teach theology and to train pastors, but great needs to teach in all areas of science as well. St John’s University presents the opportunity to teach both the Bible and chemistry. Should I return, I look forward eagerly to the possibility of combining both of these aspects of my life.

Mentors

John Pinhey and Sev Sternhell – Honours and PhD supervisors I appreciated greatly the encouragement and stimulation of these two fine scientists during my honours and postgraduate training. It was very exciting to be developing new reactions and new synthetic methods.

I also appreciated the wonderful camaraderie in the department, from lab assistants to professors and fellow students. We not only enjoyed doing chemistry together, but playing squash, bushwalking, canyoning trips, caving and concert-going.

Carolyn Mountford and Tania Sorrell I spent a number of years working with in medical research, first in cancer medicine, and later in infectious diseases, at Sydney University and Westmead Hospital.

This was a very rewarding time as we investigated the application of magnetic resonance spectroscopy to biological systems and the early diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. Again, there was a wonderful camaraderie with coworkers in these departments.

ORGANIC CHEMIST AND PASTOR

From the age of 11 or 12, I have been fascinated by science. There is a sense in which chemistry underlies everything in the world around us.

Ministry

One of the most exciting opportunities I have had in the past year has been to teach the Bible to pastors from rural areas of Kenya and South India, where there are great needs to train church leaders. I went with a colleague to Nairobi to teach a group of 40 pastors, and then also to Tanzania to teach at St John’s Anglican University. In July, I took a team of 10, mostly from our church, to train about 100 pastors in India. The photo was taken at one of the training sessions (with translator at left). It was also a great privilege to open a church or ‘Life Centre’, as they are known, in one of the villages.