Maria Antonietta Castaldi, Alumna Master’s Degree in Science and Faith

First of all, I would like to thank Father Alex and Father Rafaelfor inviting me to share my experience with the Science and Faith Institute of the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, where I earned my Master’s Degree in Science and Faith, offered in partnership with the European University of Rome.
My story begins in 2024 when I had the opportunity to work for a year at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA, on a research project focused on artificial womb technology.
Through this project, I was able to analyze the EXTEND system (EXTrauterine Environment for Neonatal Development) and use it as a model for pregnancy and labor.

During this work, I discovered the existence of an umbilico-neuro-cardiac reflex, whereby stretching the umbilical cord causes an increase in the fetal heart rate detectable by monitoring systems.
During this period, I realized that these kinds of technologies— whose current objective is to provide a suitable environment for extremely premature infants (from 4 to 5 months of gestational age) and allow them to grow in an environment similar to the maternal womb, without breathing air which is harmful at such low gestational ages—raised monumental problems in ethics, medical ethics, and bioethics. I also recognized that, thanks to my previous training, I had an intuition of the ethical direction to take; however, I understood that in today’s world, mere intuition is not enough: solid foundations are needed upon which to build universal, valid answers. Therefore, I began searching for an online program (since I was in the US) and specifically wanted a pontifical university. That is how I discovered the Master’s Degree in Science and Faith, which I enrolled in during the spring of 2024.
The educational experience was both exceptional and outstanding: it enabled me to discuss the issues of our time with people from all backgrounds and, in particular, as a scientist with other scientists—often leaving them, I must say, literally speechless! In the sense of «Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have» (1 Pet 3:15).
Let me share two moments in my professional life where this Master’s program proved vital:
1. Currently, my research field focuses on the use of artificial intelligence in pattern recognition for 4D prenatal ultrasound and fetal consciousness. Recently, after reading an article in Science regarding the role of AI in the medical profession, I felt called to respond. I wrote a response on medical ethics that was published online in May—something I was able to do directly thanks to the knowledge acquired during the Master’s program.
2. I was moderating a session at an AI conference in Berlin held at the Max Planck Institute. During a lunch break, I had a conversation with Hiroshi Ishiguro (the famous Japanese scientist who creates humanoid robots) about his worldview, his perspective on humanity, and how hylomorphism is the only paradigm that correctly accounts for the structure of the world. Again, I was able to engage in this dialogue thanks to the advanced knowledge gained through several courses in the Master’s program.
Therefore, I strongly recommend enrolling in the Master’s Degree in Science and Faith to anyone considering it, as the benefits are truly manifold.
Finally, inspired in part by the passion of several professors, I have decided to continue my research and studies in this field.