She went on to Howard University to study chemical engineering.

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With the new pope being himself a trained scientist -- Francis graduated as a chemical technician before moving on to study philosophy, psychology and theology -- the timing could be right for a new era of cooperation between the Vatican and science, building on the work of the STOQ Project -- Science, Theology and the Ontological Quest -- which was created by Pope John Paul II in 2003.

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He published his study, found little interest from pharmaceutical companies in his chemical, called MTA, and moved on.

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