Rachel G. Jordan is a professional marine biologist and lay theologian whose writing creatively bridges supposed gaps between sacred and secular. A self-professed Jesus-loving coral nerd, she is the author of If the Ocean Has a Soul: A Marine Biologist’s Pursuit of Truth through Deep Waters of Faith and Science.

Rachel earned her B.S. in Ecology at Seattle Pacific University, conducting field research at Blakely Island Field Station while examining stress hormone-production in sea anemones. She went on to complete a M.S. in Marine Biology & Ecology at James Cook University in Australia, where her thesis research at the Australian Institute of Marine Science focused on feeding baby corals chemicals as growth supplements. She also has a Certification in Biblical Studies from Bodenseehof Bible School in Germany.

In addition to working as a coral biologist for the U.S. National Park Service, Rachel has worked in marine aquaculture research, organic chemistry laboratories, veterinary research facilities, the pet industry, and a museum. When not diving or writing, she can be found reading C.S. Lewis, growing wildflowers, and exploring creation with her husband.

Behind the Scenes

Meet Porky the porcupinefish, the great-grandmother coral, a surprising sea turtle, and the yellowhead jawfish whose stories are shared in Rachel’s book, If the Ocean Has a Soul.