Professor Phipps on Writing in the Earth Sciences

About the Professor

After graduating with a A.B. and then a M.A. from Cornell, Dr. Stephen Phipps earned a Ph.D in Geology from Princeton. Dr. Phipps teaches both 100 and upper level classes in the geology department. While his 100-level students do not often have writing assignments, students in his 500-level courses are expected to write term papers that mimic professional writing in the field. As these are likely to differ from past assignments, students must learn the process for establishing the correct style within these papers. Through his research, he has analyzed geologic structures, specifically on the west coast of the United States.

Personal Writing Process

Currently, Dr. Phipps's writing process is changing.

Before he would:

1. Start with an idea
2. Outline what is to be said, using science as the framework
3. Write a paper following the outline

Now, to fit his love of language into his writing:

1. Use a pad or recorder to get ideas down
2. Work on phrasing during the writing process
3. Refer back to pre-recorded ideas
4. Seek informal review by colleagues

Favorite Authors

Dr. Phipps admires the writing of Eldridge Moores, Harry Hass, and Penn's own Dr. Giegengack because they value the importance of expression as well as finding and using the right word.