Sam McKee's grew up poor and his early experiences of church were negative. After his parents got divorced he say he couldn't get to sleep one night and picked up his Bible beginning at the back with the book of Revelation. It was then that he realised he'd been missing out on something and wanted to know more.

He became a youth worker but didn't go to university though his dream of becoming a scientist stayed with him. As a child he had wanted to become a marine biologist but when he did finally go into academia it was to study immunology, later becoming interested in genetics. He also completed a part-time degree in theology.

McKee is actively involved in science-faith dialogue and a board member of Christians in Science (CiS) he's also the director of Aylesbury Vale Youth for Christ, a charity that organizes educational events in science and the humanities for schools.

In 2023 working with the International Space School Educational Trust (ISSET), he oversaw an experiment in biofilm and microgravity - which explored communities of microorganisms adhering to surfaces which pose significant challenges in space and watched it fly into space.

On this episode of The Profile he speaks to Premier Christianity's Editor Sam Hailes about his 'messy' upbringing, his spiritual experience in the lab and why apologists should take note of Christians in science.

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Released on 19 Jun 2025