A public lecture series and open forum at the Lanier Theological Library, the Hall of Reason invites people from all backgrounds to explore life’s deepest questions through faith, reason, and open dialogue.
In a setting that fosters curiosity and respect, we discuss the intersections of science, philosophy, history, and spirituality—always with intellectual integrity and openness.
Here, ideas are examined with clarity and critical thought, affirming that reason and belief can thrive together.
This course seeks to:
Challenge assumptions and spark insight
Foster respectful, inclusive conversation
Show that thoughtful reasoning and sincere faith can coexist
Dr. Janet L. Siefert earned her PhD in Biology from the University of Houston in 1997 under George E. Fox. She was an Associate Research Professor at Rice University (1998–2020) and now serves as Senior Research Fellow and Director of Communications at the Lanier Foundation.
A leading researcher in the origin of life, she focuses on microbial ecology and evolutionary biology. Her fieldwork in Mexico’s Cuatro Ciénegas Basin has drawn comparisons to the Galapagos due to its unique microbial life. She has published on horizontal gene transfer, nitrogen fixation, and Earth’s early atmosphere.
Dr. Siefert broke new ground as the first woman to chair the Gordon Research Conference on the Origin of Life and to serve as president of ISSOL (2008–2011). Her work has been featured by Discovery, National Geographic, and the History Channel.
She is a Christian, actively pursuing a master’s in theology at Northern Seminary, and blogs about faith and science.
Image: Cuatro Cienegas Basin, Coahuila, Mexico