Faculty & Staff

All of the instructors involved with Reasons Institute are accomplished scholars. They also believe in Jesus Christ as their Creator and Savior, share a common conviction that the Bible is the error-free Word of God, and adhere to RTB’s Statement of Faith.

RTB Staff Scholars

Follow RTB on its official Facebook and Twitter pages.

Scholar Community Program Director

George R. Haraksin,

Adjunct Lecturers

  • Erica Carlson, PhD in physics, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • Patrick McGuire, MS in mechanical engineering, University of New Mexico
  • Mark Ritter, MS in chemistry, Cal Poly Pomona 
  • David Rogstad, PhD in physics, Caltech

Online Instructors

Dan worked as an engineer at Galaxy Compound Semiconductors, Inc., and now teaches astronomy part time at Spokane Falls Community College. He’s also been involved in amateur astronomy and telescope building for about 40 years. Dan has a BSc in physics, an MA in Christian apologetics, and an MA in science and religion from Biola University. He is a certified RTB volunteer apologist and an adult Sunday school teacher at his church. Dan oversees the certificate section of the Astronomy and Design course.

John is the professor of New Testament and theology at Western Reformed Seminary, where he previously served as president. John oversees the Creation and the Bible course.

Dr. Carlson is Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and of the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center (CCRC) at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA.  He retired in 2014 but continues to work as an advisor on various collaborative research projects for the Analytical Service Department at the CCRC.  Prior to retiring, Dr. Carlson was also the Executive Technical Director of the Analytical Service Department at the CCRC, and Adjunct Professor of Microbiology. Dr Carlson is the instructor for the Advanced Seminar on Biochemical Design course.

Rich has a BSc in biological sciences and a MSc. in medical microbiology. He worked 34 years in immunology, molecular biology, and genetics at UCLA and at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Rich is the online instructor for the Advanced Seminar on Human Origins course.

Rick is a biologist and ecologist working as a wildlife researcher and consultant. He has an MSc. in raptor biology and an MA in Christian apologetics from Biola University. He is also a certified RTB volunteer apologist and an elder at his church. Rick oversees the Creation vs. Evolution course. 

Dr. Johansen has an interdisciplinary PhD from Liberty University, two Master of Arts degrees in Christian Apologetics and Science and Religion from Biola University, and a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California. He has done adjunct instruction at several Christian universities and church academies teaching theology, apologetics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics. He has worked over 25 years at a couple of research and development high tech companies supporting NASA, NSF, and other organizations. Dr. Johansen is the instructor for the Advanced Astronomy and Design course. 

Mark is a retired deputy chief from the Los Angeles Police Department and holds an MA in philosophy (principally, philosophy of science), a California State University certificate in critical thinking, and an MPA focusing on organizational development and employee performance. Mark facilitates the Critical Thinking Skills course.

Ric earned an MA in philosophy from Cal State Los Angeles and a BA in philosophy from Biola University. He has taught apologetics and theology at his church for more than 15 years. He is a workers’ compensation claims examiner and oversees the World Religions and Science course.