The idea of a “big bang” as the origin of the universe, for instance, has scientific backing, he said. Some Christians reject the idea because they think it means God couldn’t have created the universe. Russell doesn’t agree.

“I think a lot of Christians don’t realize that that same thing that leads scientists to think there must be a big bang also indicates that at some point there must have been a beginning. … Something had to happen,” he said.

His explanation for that is God.

***

For junior Madison Melton, faith has also played a role in her job with NASA. Her mentor, who she has been in contact with since she first applied to the program two years ago, is a Christian, and they have bonded over their faith. He also has been supportive and helpful enough to make Melton’s transition into working at NASA seamless.

Still, it can feel surreal.

“I never thought that I would be 18 and having an internship at NASA. That is beyond belief,” she said.

Because she had so many course credits from high school, Melton is younger than most juniors. When she started at Liberty, she was already a sophomore in the electrical engineering program.