Solving Life’s Mysteries, One Question at a Time You can ask Dr. Philip Fawley just about anything — even a question about string theory — and he’ll give you an answer. His initial reply may be, “Let me look into it,” but true to his word, he’ll come back with a simple response. Phil used this ability throughout his 33-year career as a professor of biology at Westminster College. His pursuit of knowledge continues in retirement, and he’s found himself among an equally curious audience at Masonic Village at Sewickley. Residents enjoy attending his monthly presentations on Life’s Little Mysteries or whatever topic he thinks up, like a recent one on the Bubble Boy. Phil is open to answering questions any time, whether it’s following a presentation or in the elevator on the way to dinner. Mr. Biology Phil took an interest in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics in high school, thanks to one teacher in particular who was very demanding of his students. Most students didn’t appreciate his drive, but he had a big influence on Phil. Phil continued to study the subjects at Kent State University, where he met a physiology professor who really “turned the fire on” in Phil. The professor served as his graduate advisor and eventually suggested Phil consider teaching. As a doctoral student, Phil lost interest in the medical topic he was pursuing and began concentrating on student research studies.
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Fall 2021 Issue
“ Teaching initially was scary, but once I got into the program I loved it,” he said. “ I always helped people. I was a tutor for athletes. People called me Mr. Biology. I got paid, and it was fun.” After earning his Ph.D. in 1972, he took the job with Westminster College, where he not only taught but was able to conduct research on everything from medical topics to the biology of caves. “Westminster College allowed me to challenge my students with their small class size of about 20 students,” he said. “It left me with many wonderful experiences.” Toward the end of his career, he took a sabbatical at a medical school. Phil published two aspects of a study he conducted, but more importantly, he offered two of his students a chance to contribute to the study. “Teaching students to appreciate the beauty and interactions of the sciences, and then watching them move on to post-graduate studies was the most rewarding part of my career,” Phil said.
