GREENVILLE, Ill -- Dustin Swarm’s journey from Greenville University to the forefront of astrophysics research is a story of passion, perseverance, and purpose. A 2018 graduate of Greenville University with a Bachelor of Arts in physics and mathematics, Dustin recently secured a prestigious NASA Roman Technology Fellowship grant that nears $1.5 million in research funding, marking him as a rising star in the field of high-energy astrophysics.
Dustin’s story with Greenville began with a different focus—engineering. Initially, on track to become an aerospace engineer, he made a significant shift during his undergraduate years, switching to Spanish education and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Spanish Education in 2010.
He spent six years teaching in Greenville high school, but his passion for science never waned.
“I was always keeping up with different astronomy news, physics news, reading books, listening to podcasts,” Swarm said. The more he stayed connected with science, the more he realized he missed it.
That longing led him back to Greenville University to pursue a second bachelor’s degree, this time in physics and mathematics.
Greenville University’s flexibility and supportive environment played a crucial role in Dustin’s transition back to the sciences.
“Greenville was flexible and let me come back for a second time to do that,” he said. This return marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead him to a doctorate in astrophysics and performing NASA-funded research.
Dustin’s former professor, George Peters, recalls Swarm’s academic dedication during his time back at Greenville:
“Dustin was a great student to have in class. He was focused and interested. He already had a bachelor's degree in Spanish Ed. and knew why he was back. His homework was a pleasure to grade. In one of my numerical analysis folders, I have a copy of one of his completed assignments that I still use as part of the key. He wrote it up so correctly and beautifully."
Professor Brian Reinhard, who taught Swarm in Spanish education, also reflects fondly on having Dustin in class:
“I do remember very clearly that having Dustin in class was quite a joy. He was always highly inquisitive and enjoyed learning new things. Professors are always thrilled to have students who consistently put forth their best efforts and are eager to learn from mistakes. Dustin was this type of student, and I am sure it will continue to serve him well in this new adventure."
Today, as a postdoctoral research scholar at the University of Iowa, Swarm is at the cutting edge of astrophysics. His research focuses on high-energy astrophysics, a field that explores some of the most extreme environments in the universe, such as black holes and gamma-ray emissions. This work is not just about understanding the universe; it’s also about probing the very nature of creation.
“I think it’s incredibly important to study nature, God’s creation, and by doing so, better understand the creator,” Swarm said.
Peters also highlights Swarm’s faith and practical approach to learning: “In my MATLAB programming class, he did an interesting physics/astronomy-based project that was useful in his training and not just a project to get a grade. He is also a man of deep faith. I was honored to be a small part of his training and am excited to see the things he does in the world.”
However, Swarm’s journey to becoming a leading figure in the scientific community was not without its challenges—especially when it came to reconciling his deep-rooted faith with his passion for science.
Growing up in a conservative evangelical environment, Swarm often found himself grappling with the perceived tension between faith and science. "There was always this underlying conflict," he said. "I was passionate about science, but I felt it was at odds with my faith."
That perspective began to shift during his time at Greenville University. A pivotal course, CORE 302, which focused on the intersection of science and Christianity, became a turning point for Swarm.
"The course, along with my broader experience at Greenville, stretched me in ways that eventually allowed me to see that faith and science are not incompatible," he said. "I realized that I could be both a scientist and a faithful Christian."
Swarm credits Greenville University with helping him to think critically about the distinct roles of science and faith.
"Science is excellent at studying the natural world, which I believe is God’s creation. But it doesn’t touch on the supernatural—that’s beyond the scope of science," he says. "Similarly, spiritual texts like the Bible are authoritative for guiding Christian life and spiritual development, but they aren’t meant to serve as scientific textbooks."
This newfound understanding allowed Swarm to embrace both his scientific pursuits and his faith as complementary rather than conflicting.
"Greenville challenged me to evaluate my worldview and grapple with what it truly means to be a Christian. Through that process, I was freed from unnecessary burdens that had been weighing me down,” said Swarm.
His research on gamma rays and antimatter has the potential to unravel some of the universe’s deepest mysteries, such as the origins of positrons—the antimatter counterpart to electrons.
The NASA Roman Technology Fellowship, which Swarm was recently awarded, is designed to support early-career researchers and help them land permanent positions. The program also focuses on developing innovative technologies that could drive significant scientific advancements and fostering new talent by setting early-career instrument builders on a path toward long-term positions in the field.
The fellowship’s funding will enable Swarm to start his own research group, bringing his work to the next level. “It’s both exciting and a little bit daunting,” Swarm said, but he’s confident that with his team, they will “do some cool science along the way.”
As he looks to the future, Swarm hopes to secure a faculty position at a research-focused university, where he can continue to explore the mysteries of the universe while training the next generation of scientists.
Swarm’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of a Greenville University education. It’s a place where students can discover their passions, even if it means taking a winding path to get there.
And as Swarm’s career shows, those passions can lead to extraordinary achievements, not just in personal success, but in contributing to the understanding of the universe itself.
Dustin Swarm’s story is a shining example of how Greenville University prepares its students to reach for the stars—literally.
