ABOUT
RUDOLF B. BRUN
Professor Dr. Rudolf B. Brun
About Rudolf Brun (RB) did his Ph.D. with Professor Adolf Portmann in Basle, Switzerland: Topic: Pattern development in the pheasant Argusianus argus (Revue Swiss de Zoology, Tome 78, fasc. 1, no 2: pp. 115-134, June 1971.) RB was invited to join the theology/philosophy groups (SG/AAG) founded by Hans Urs Cardinal von Balthasar. Later, at the University of Geneva RB had grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation; topic: genetics of development (cloning). After moving to the University of Indiana, Bloomington, and to TCU in Fort Worth TX, RB got grants from NSF to investigated the eyeless mutant Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). At TCU he met Professor of Theology Dr. Davie Grant with whom he developed and taught the course Religion and Science.
CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)
NAME: Rudolf Bernhard Brun
BIRTHPLACE AND DATE: Born on March 4, 1938, in Lucerne, Switzerland. Later became a Naturalized American Citizen.
EDUCATION: Ph.D. in 1968 from the University of Basel, Switzerland. Thesis focused on "Pattern Formation in Feather Development," under the guidance of Dr. Adolf Portmann. Participated in the Philosophy/Theology study group (SG, AAG) led by Theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar from 1962 to 1976, later becoming the chair of SG from 1964 to 1968.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Engaged in various academic pursuits including marine biology courses at the University of Paris and developmental biology classes in Naples, Italy. Undertook postdoctoral training in gene regulation in embryogenesis at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Further honed skills in tissue culture procedures through workshops in Oxford, England.
TEACHING AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE: Served as an undergraduate and graduate teaching assistant at the University of Basel, Switzerland, from 1965 to 1968. Held the position of Senior Teaching Assistant at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, from 1969 to 1977. Became a faculty member, teaching developmental biology and introductory biology, at the University of Geneva, from 1970 to 1977. Invited as an Assistant Professor to Indiana State University and later Texas Christian University (TCU) to teach Histology and developmental biology. Contributed to research and courses at the Marine Biological Laboratories (MBL) in 1980. Achieved academic promotions from Associate Professor in 1981 to Full Professor in 1986 and subsequently became a Professor Emeritus in 2003.
RESEARCH GRANTS: Secured research grants from Swiss and American sources for projects such as nuclear transplantation with red blood cell nuclei and developmental genetics in the eyeless mutant salamander.
INTERDISCIPLINARY WORK: Pioneered interdisciplinary courses on "Religion and Science" in collaboration with Theologian C. David Grant. Presented papers and lectures at various conferences addressing the integration of evolution and Christian theology, including those organized by the Society of Christian Philosophers and the International Christian Studies Association.
TALKS ON AESTHETICS: Delivered presentations at conferences focusing on the connection between aesthetics, music, and evolution, exploring topics such as the evolution of beauty, music in nature, and creativity.
INTERDISCIPLINARY PUBLICATIONS: Published articles exploring the relationship between evolution, cosmology, and Christian theology, contributing to discussions on topics like creation, nature, and cosmology.
BOOKS: Authored books discussing the intersection of science, art, and Christianity, contributing to the ongoing dialogue between faith and modern science.
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY CONTRIBUTIONS: Made significant contributions to the field of developmental biology through studies on pattern formation in feather development, eyeless mutant salamanders, and neural crest cells. PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT: Acted as a reviewer for multiple scientific journals and grant applications, lending expertise to developmental biology research. Organized and participated in conferences, committees, and seminars, enhancing scientific discourse and collaboration.
MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: An active member of various professional organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (ASZ), The American Society for Aesthetics (ASA), and more. This summarized CV highlights Rudolf Bernhard Brun's diverse and influential contributions across multiple fields, from developmental biology and teaching to interdisciplinary discussions at the intersection of science, art, and theology.