Ph.D., University of Kansas
B.A. (Physics), University of Kansas
B.S. (Chemistry), University of Kansas

Space physics.

Composition of Titan’s Ionosphere, T. E. Cravens, I. P. Roberston, J. H. Waite, Jr., R. V. Yelle, W. T. Kasprzak, C. N. Keller, S. A. Ledvina, H. B. Niemann, J. G. Luhmann, R. L. McNutt, W. H. Ip, V. DeLaHaye, I. Mueller-Wodarg, J. E. Wahlund, V. G. Anicich, and V. Vuitton,  Geophys. Res. Letts., Vol. 33, L07105, 2006. http://www2.ku.edu/~kuspace/titan/titan-ionosphere05/index.html
The Ionosphere of Titan: An Updated Theoretical Model, T. E. Cravens, J. Vann, J. Clark, J. Yu, C. N. Keller, and C. Brull, Cospar Symposium C3.1, Adv in Space Research Vol. 33, p. 212, 2004. http://www.ku.edu/~kuspace/titan-model/index.html
Model of Titan's Ionosphere with Detailed Hydrocarbon Chemistry, C. N. Keller, V. G. Anicich, and T. E. Cravens, Planetary & Space Science, Vol. 46, No. 9, p. 1157, 1998.  http://www2.ku.edu/~kuspace/cassini/titanchem/abstract.html
Photochemical Sources of Non-Thermal Neutrals for the Exosphere of Titan, T. E. Cravens, C. N. Keller, and B. Ray, Planetary & Space Science, Vol. 45, No. 8, p. 889, 1997. 
One-Dimensional Multispecies Magnetohydrodynamic Models of the Wakeside Ionosphere of Titan, C. N. Keller, and T. E. Cravens, Jour. Geophys. Res., Vol. 99, p. 6527, 1994. 
One-Dimensional Multispecies Magnetohydrodynamic Models of the Ramside Ionosphere of Titan, C. N. Keller, T. E. Cravens, and L. Gan, Jour. Geophys. Res., Vol. 99, p. 6511, 1994. 
One Dimensional Multispecies Magnetohydrodynamic Models of the Ionosphere of Titan and the Inner Coma of Comet P/Halley, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Kansas, Lawrence, 1992. 
A Model of the Ionosphere of Titan, C. N. Keller, T. E. Cravens, and L. Gan, Jour. Geophys. Res., Vol. 97, p. 12117, 1992. 
Electrons in the Ionosphere of Titan, L. Gan, C. N. Keller, and T. E. Cravens, Jour. Geophys. Res., Vol. 97, p. 12137, 1992. 
Calculated Ionization Rates, Ion Densities, and Airglow Emission Rates Due to Precipitating Electrons in the Nightside Ionosphere of Mars, S. A Haider, J. Kim, A. F. Nagy, C. N. Keller, M. I. Verigin, K. I. Gringauz, N. M. Shutte, K. Szego, and P. Kiraly, Jour. Geophys. Res., Vol. 97, p. 10637, 1992. 
The Ionosphere of Titan and Its Interactions with Saturnian Magnetospheric Electrons, T. E. Cravens, C. N. Keller, and L. Gan, Proc. Symp. on Titan, Toulouse, FR, Sep. 1991, p. 273, 1992. 
Plasma Density Enhancement at the Comet Halley Diamagnetic Cavity Boundary, C. N. Keller and T. E. Cravens, Jour. Geophys. Res., Vol. 95, p. 18755, 1990. 

While in graduate school at the University of Kansas, I was awarded a research fellowship from NASA to fund three years of my studies on Comet Halley and Titan (Saturn’s largest moon).  After making some predictions in 1992 about what gasses might be in Titan’s ionosphere, I had the privilege of being in the Space Physics Research Labs at the University of Michigan in April 2005 to see the data come in from the Cassini spacecraft when it flew past Titan. 

What can students expect from your classes? From your division?

In my classes (and the division as a whole), we work together to explore how God put together the cosmos. I consider myself a learner helping other learners. While I strive to unpack creation’s mysteries in an understandable way, many times the details of how the universe works are difficult to understand. Many of the class sessions involve lectures about scientific concepts coupled with problem-solving examples. Most of our courses include a lab component in which we ‘get our hands dirty’ in checking out the concepts that we are learning. Outside of the class, students study texts, practice problem solving and prepare projects that integrate concepts with practical applications.

Of all the classes that you may teach, which one are you most passionate about?

While I have enjoyed most of the classes I have taught because I learn much by interacting with students, most students say I seem most passionate about astronomy. This course magnifies our awe and wonder as we study absolutely mind boggling phenomena in God’s universe. 

Science majors must nurture their curiosity, wonder, creativity and humility as they invest substantial time learning (and one day uncovering) some of the beautiful mysteries God has woven into his creation. 

Where were you born or raised?

I grew up in a small town in eastern Kansas. My father was an elementary school principal and my mother a substitute teacher. We lived in the town during the week, then on our 160-acre cattle farm during the weekends.

Family information:

I am married to Judy (who teaches ESL at Grand Rapids Community College and in our Professional and Graduate Studies TESOL program). Judy and I met in Nigeria in West Africa, where we were both serving with Campus Crusade for Christ. We were on staff for 28 years and lived in Nigeria for 17 of those years, working with high school and university students, Hillcrest Mission School students, Nigerian mission staff and Family Life Ministries. We have two married daughters — one in Geneva, Ill., and the other in Wichita Falls, Texas — so we are empty nesters except for two dachshunds, Digger and Molly. 

Missions and intercultural ministries
Mentoring and discipleship — preferably with university students
Reading
Vegetable gardening
Photography

Who is a person from your field of study whom you identify with and why?

Michael Faraday (1791-1867) was enthralled with the study of creation, even though he had difficulty expressing his discoveries mathematically. He discovered laws of chemistry, electricity and magnetism and also optics that, when applied, have paved the way for our modern technological world. He remained a strong follower of Christ all his days. I too have difficulty with higher math yet revel in the study of God’s world. 

Two of Faraday’s statements, “Nothing is too wonderful to be true if it be consistent with the laws of nature, and in such things as these, experiment is the best test of such consistency.” Regarding eternal life, he said, “Speculations? I have none. I am resting on certainties.”

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6 7).

I relish the opportunity to learn with young men and women who are already impacting their world for Christ — and to help equip them to be even more strategic world influencers as they use their gifts and skills in the years to come. It is sheer delight to unpack some of creation’s mysteries with the men and women of Cornerstone University and to help them study, understand and apply science to impact their world throughout their lives. 

Dr. Ned Keller's CV

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