Solving Life's Mysteries

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. “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.

“Teaching is what I love to do. I’m always doing it by answering questions and trying to explain things to people.”

Phil taught hundreds of students throughout his tenure. They went on to pursue challenging careers, ranging from forensic science to medical studies to teaching. He had a chance meeting with one former student while in the hospital for back surgery. As the surgeon came in leading a group of 15 or so medical students, the surgeon paused when he saw Phil.

“At that point, I was partially sedated, but I managed to ask, ‘John, how are you?’” Phil recalls. “He was the chief resident of surgery. That was great, with all the students looking at him.”

In 2016, Phil and his wife, Diane, moved to the Masonic Village at Sewickley. He has since met three residents whose children were students of his at Westminster.

While Phil welcomes all questions, one of his favorites is, “Are you serious?”

“It was fascinating,” he said. “What amazed one couple was, when they asked if I taught at Westminster because they had a daughter who went there, I remembered her name was Julia even though I hadn’t taught her since the 70s. For my best students, I can always recall stories about them.”

Are You Serious?

Phil has developed a continuing series of lectures to educate and amuse his audience at Masonic Village.

“I have found my neighbors at Masonic Village anxious to expand their understanding of a wide variety of topics,” he said. “They are educated and don’t mind learning something new. I always explain there will be no quiz at the end.”

Phil’s presentations have included infectious diseases, the first electric chair, gene sequencing, diving mammals, the Old Order Amish, global climate change and renewable energy, among others.

His lecture on the Bubble Boy was based on personal experience. David Vetter, known as the Bubble Boy, was born in 1971 with severe combined immunodeficiency and lived in a specially-constructed sterile plastic bubble at the Texas Children’s Hospital - Baylor College of Medicine until he died at age 12. As part of his graduate training, Phil spent a summer at Baylor, and he later had the opportunity to take some Westminster students there to attend classes from instructors, including the medical and psychological researchers responsible for David’s care.

“When I develop a topic in a lecture by fusing several thoughts together, the conclusion sometimes shocks the audience as to the simplicity of the solution to a problem,” he said. “As I bring things together, you’ll see the lightbulb come on. That’s amazing. That’s what I do this for.”

In addition to giving lectures, Phil selects the Thursday afternoon movies. Otherwise, he enjoys the relaxing, friendly and supportive atmosphere at Masonic Village.

“It was a perfect match for myself and my wife. We love the active lifestyle and fantastic friends,” Phil said. “We expected an awful lot from Masonic Village, and they have constantly exceeded what we hoped to find. We’re so happy to be here.”

As long as people keep asking interesting questions, Phil will keep trying to solve life’s little mysteries.

“I don’t mind admitting that I don’t know everything. No one does,” he said. “I love trying to point out interesting topics. I can devote my life to it and feel accomplished.”