This Friday at NSA Disputatio, biologist John Cosell presents “Saving Frogs with Research and Photography.”

Frogs are vanishing at an alarming rate, but why should we care? Cosell explores the ecological importance of amphibians, the causes behind their global decline, and how scientific research—paired with the art of photography—can serve as a powerful tool for conservation.

Drawing from his own lab’s work, this talk offers an insightful case study in the pursuit of preserving creation through both science and beauty.

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One of the ways NSA pushes students to use their minds better is through a weekly college gathering on Fridays called Disputatio. The term ‘disputatio’ is a Latin word meaning discussion, debate, or argument. This title captures the essence of this scholarly event where the whole college–students and faculty–hear from and engage with leading Christian scholars in various academic fields. 

“This gathering is important to the college as it serves as a college-wide meeting that addresses significant doctrinal, educational, and cultural matters, aiding students to shape culture under the Lordship of Christ,” said Dr. Jared Longshore, Undergraduate Dean at New Saint Andrews. He added, “In every age, leadership requires understanding the times and what Israel ought to do. Disputatio equips students to that end.”

Disputatio shapes students to see the integrated nature of knowledge. Speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds present various topics, including legal theory, musical history, language study, theological discussions, poetry analysis, and more. Over four years at the college, a student will attend about 112 Disputatio events. As students listen to over a hundred different presentations, they will gain insights into diverse fields of knowledge while learning to see how each field is integrated into Christ, who holds everything together. 

Disputatio is also an opportunity for NSA students to sharpen their rhetorical abilities by watching and analyzing how speakers move an audience through words. These lectures give students the space to evaluate arguments and consider the proper way to think about a discipline with a Christian worldview. Students also apply their rhetorical skills by presenting their own work at Disputatio in speech competitions called declamations. 

Disputatio is open to the public and includes the following elements. The upperclassmen and faculty dress in formal academic robes. The program opens with a psalm sung acapella in four parts by the student body. There are college announcements, an opening prayer, and a poem reading. The main program typically includes a lecture by a guest speaker or faculty member with a Q\&A open to the student body. Occasionally, students deliver presentations or participate in a rhetoric competition. Disputatio concludes with the singing of the doxology.