Bernie grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin before attending Michigan State University and then transferring to the University of Oklahoma. Shortly after arriving at OU Bernie got involved with the Baptist Student Union. It was through his time at the BSU, and the faithfulness of his roommate, that Bernie came to know Jesus. It was also during this time that Bernie met and married his wife Paige. After finishing his PhD. Bernie accepted a job teaching chemical engineering at Washington State University, and has been teaching there ever since! In 2007 Bernie began to serve in the college student ministry at his church, and in 2021 they partnered with NCM to further help reach the college students of Pullman. In his free time, you can find Bernie spending time with his three children and seven grandkids, or on the Pickleball court!