P-19 Developing an Integrative Wholistic Paradigm of Research

Buller Hallway

My philosophy of research begins with a constant and deep recognition of the divine spark that gives rise to human insight and creativity. Research is, for me, an intensely sacred calling that winds through inspiration, revelation and imagination. It is also a journey of discovery as the root word – recherche – ‘to go about seeking,’ suggests. I believe the attitude of a relentless researcher is eternally embedded in the Old Testament archetype of Jacob wrestling and in the New Testament text ‘Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ Emily Dickinson’ poem, ‘This World is Not Conclusion” also expresses a powerful reason ‘to go about seeking.’ My approach to research integrates varied and sometimes discordant elements, like a jazz composition, that answers the questions: when, who, what, and why? It proactively seeks, promotes and provides early engagement for all God’s children in one of the most consequential adventures known to humankind. The ‘what and why’ of my research focuses on organic synthesis, while ‘when and who’ is manifested through longstanding efforts towards universal adoption of early research participation. These aspects are supplemented by public science initiatives.