Jacob is a graduate student at the University of North Texas, studying for his PhD in Computer Science. His research is in collaboration with NASA and is focused on AI-based assistive technology for blind and visually impaired people. It garnered the CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award in 2025. His creative pursuits include 8 years of experience in game development, 3D art, electronic music production, and visual effects. He has created over a dozen interactive experiences and has freelanced music and graphics professionally.
Jacob joined Ratio Christi in his undergraduate sophomore year. Soon, Jacob became an Officer with Ratio Christi, and he currently serves as the RC-UNT President.
· When did you come to Christ as Lord and Savior, and how did that come about?
o I was saved as a young child. When I became rebellious, my mom grew very concerned for me. She shared the gospel, and I repented and trusted in Jesus. He transformed my life and has been working in me ever since.
· In your high school church youth group, how much did you learn about the Christian faith and reasons to believe?
o My youth group in high school didn’t address apologetics very much, but during that time, I learned through a family trip to the Ark Encounter and documentaries such as Incredible Creatures that Defy Evolution. I also discovered Ray Comfort’s Atheist Delusion, which helped instill a heart for the lost that later influenced my passion for evangelism.
· How did you become interested in apologetics, and how did you get involved with Ratio Christi?
o When I started my Computer Science undergraduate at the University of North Texas, I was confronted with a deep sense of urgency and concern for the lost people surrounding me. I couldn’t keep silent. The first person I shared the gospel with was during my orientation. I learned how to become more outgoing through starting conversations with people on the bus, and I learned how to maneuver our discussion to deep questions and ultimately our need for God. I came my first Ratio Christi meeting about two years into my undergraduate because of an Institute of Creation Research newsletter, and I discovered an incredible community of believers.
· What impact has the Ratio Christi UNT ministry had on your walk with God and your personal ministry?
o Ratio Christi has grown me as an ambassador of God through community, informative talks and discussions, and my opportunities to lead. For the first year, a group of nonbelievers attended our meetings, raising countless objections and questions. This constantly challenged me to learn the answers and how to correct opposition with gentleness and respect. I was given the honor of engaging with one of the students in a formal public debate, and I was privileged to meet with scientists including Dr. Casey Luskin and Dr. Randy Guliuzza in preparation. As an officer, I have grown in my leadership abilities. At the Ratio Christi table, I have gotten to share the gospel with hundreds of students, and I have benefited from this constant reminder of God’s great mercy towards me as well.
· What is this RC chapter like?
o We are incredibly blessed with a team of student officers and staff who are on fire for the Lord and great location with world-class scientists and apologists visiting every year. We have been steadily growing since our chapter was founded in 2020, and our community is vibrant and supportive. It’s everything I could hope for.
· What were some of your favorite areas of involvement with your local RC chapter?
o I love setting up our Ratio Christi table in the student center and engaging with students because it’s where I can put all the helpful information I’m learning into practical use in real conversations. I also love our core team meetings; a time where our Christian community gathers for prayer and encouragement.
· What does the your Legatus Christi award mean to you?
o I am so honored to receive The Legatus Christi award, and I am in awe that God would redeem me, grow me, and invite me to play any role at all in His grand story. This award also motivates me to use the training I’ve received through Ratio Christi to help instill Legatus Christi traits in others.
· How do you envision taking the apologetics you have learned through Ratio Christi into your future endeavors?
o I plan to continue using my apologetics skills at the table and in conversations with coworkers and colleagues. My church youth group didn’t teach much apologetics, so I want to help address doubts and provide
evidence to the youth in my own church. I also am so thankful to have these skills to help guide my own kids someday.
· What are your short and long-term career/ministry/mission plans?
o I am currently involved in Artificial Intelligence research at UNT while pursuing my PhD, so I will continue serving with Ratio Christi here for as long as I am needed. After graduation, I plan to work in AI research and development in the computer science industry and settle down to start a family.
· Would you consider coming back to work with your RC chapter, starting one at another school, or working with RC in any other capacity?
o I would absolutely love to continue serving with Ratio Christi or start a chapter someday. I am also interested in the College Prep program since I know how important apologetics is even before college.
· What would you say to other students who might be considering getting involved in Ratio Christi, whether they be skeptics, seekers, or believers?
o If you don’t believe, come investigate the evidence because beliefs often have consequences, and the answer to life’s most important question has life or death implications. And if you are a believer, God left you here for a reason, and that is primarily to share the truth in love with others, so get equipped and get involved!
