Dr. Matt DeJonghDr. Matt DeJongh

Dr. Matt DeJongh found the perfect way to combine computer science, molecular biology, biochemistry, Christian ministry, academics, world travel and family: teaching at Hope College.

While working as a software engineer for a bioinformatics company, Dr. DeJongh realized his calling might be elsewhere.

“Although I enjoyed my work a lot, I was interested in getting back into an academic setting,” he says. “I was looking for a place where I could combine my computer science expertise with my experience in Christian ministry. We were visiting family in Holland and realized that the Holland community is a good fit for our family, and that Hope College is a good fit for me.”

In addition to teaching, Dr. DeJongh conducts collaborative research with students in bioinformatics, working also with colleagues in other departments to develop software that can determine the metabolic capabilities of organisms based on their genome in order to find out more about energy-producing and disease-causing bacteria. Given his interdisciplinary focus, he values that Hope provides a larger perspective, equipping students to handle change and complexity.

“I love the liberal arts,” Dr. DeJongh says, “and I think that Hope College does a good job of giving students a good, broad foundation in their education.”

With degrees in both theology and computer science, Dr. DeJongh also appreciates Hope’s emphasis on mentoring students academically and spiritually and is “grateful for an institution that takes the Christian context seriously and engages faculty and students in thinking about how education provides a means of worshipping God.”

“The Christian context of the liberal arts education means that students get a broad-based education where they can learn to love God with their mind as well as their heart, soul and strength,” he says.

The college’s holistic approach to education is also reflected by the emphasis college-wide on the individual student. It’s a priority not only shared by Hope’s faculty and staff, but supported by an environment that makes it possible.

“I appreciate that I can get to know my students individually because the class enrollments are kept to a reasonable size,” Dr. DeJongh says. “They can develop meaningful relationships with faculty who know them well and care about them.”

As with most professors who collaboratively work on research with students, Dr. DeJongh has come to appreciate the archetypal Hope student who is willing to become involved.

“In my experience, Hope students in general are kind, fun-loving, engaged in their studies and thoughtful,” he says. “Most students in my classes are there because they want to be there, willing to put forth an effort to learn.”