As a new feature of the NewPeople, each month we will be profiling Thomas Merton Center Board Members to help our membership become a little more acquainted with the Board.

Board Member Profile: Bridget L. Colvin, Board Secretary
As Interviewed by Nia Edmondson

This month, after 5 ½ years of work, Bridget will be receiving her Ph.D. in Immunology, with a specialization in Transplant Immunology. The 27-year-old Fayette county native recently took time out of her busy thesis-writing schedule to answer a few questions about herself, the TMC, and her cat.

Why did you decide to join the TMC Board?

I was recruited by [former Board Member] Dan Kyle. I had organized with him and he thought my background of service would be a good match. I had a good experience working with the TMC on the [Anti-War] Convergence last year. It was a good chance to be more involved with the TMC than I was.

It seems that you are unique coming from the science community and being involved in the peace movement. Do you have any thoughts on this?

I’m really surprised there aren’t more people involved. There is no money in research, it seems that people do biomedical research because they care about people and health and that goes along with global justice. I don’t understand why there aren’t more people involved. It’s a shame.

What are some of your favorite books?

Wow. I haven’t had to put a list together in a while. Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov, In the Skin of the Lion by Michael Ondaajte, and I love Harry Potter.

Now lets talk about your cat.

Yes!

Could you describe him?

Foucault was 3 years old in July. He’s a medium-long hair and he’s…tawny. Possibly pagan, he’s very in tune with the moon.

Why the name Foucault?

I had just finished a book about Foucault’s Pendulum by Umberto Eco [when I got him].

Jean Berand Leon Foucault invented the pendulum that you see when you go to science museums, that tracks the Earth’s movement. The pendulum is hanging from the ceiling. The pendulum itself doesn’t move, it only moves due to the Earth’s rotation. [My cat] very much feels like he is the center of the Earth’s rotation.

Is there anything in particular that you are excited about working on with the TMC this year?

Actually, I am looking forward to coming up with some new and fun fundraisers. Also, the March 20th anti-war event coming up.

Any parting thoughts for the membership?

I appreciate the chance to work with the membership on a more intimate level and I look forward to do so now that I’m finished with my thesis.


Bridget L. Colvin