Author Description

A Life in Science recounts the author's experiences working with top scientists and Nobel Laureates. The book also details his involvement in historical events, including meeting Jewish scientists who had fled the Nazis in World War II, being in Berlin the night the wall went up, nearly being arrested during a coup in Turkey, and sailing as crew with the replica of the Endeavor, Captain Cook's sailing ship. The book is written for scientists and laypeople alike—particularly young people who might want a career in science, seeking new ideas and making the most of a career pathway involving travel around the world with a purpose.. M. Ian Phillips recounts growing up in World War II in London. With no interest in school and no ambitions he was awakened to opportunities in science after hearing a scientist describe studying octopus behavior in the lab and in a marine station in Italy. This moment in his life drove the author to do well in school and earn a PhD in Pharmacology. After achieving his PhD, his career continued in the USA, studying with top scientists and Nobel Laureates at Caltech and at several other universities and continuing his adventures, many related to scientists who found great interest in sailing. Eventually he moved away from bench science to help people with rare diseases at the Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, California. His observations of the thinking and successes of his colleagues guided him through his own development and contributions to neuroscience, brain anatomy, hypertension, stroke, gene therapy, rare diseases, and adventure. Phillips retired from full time teaching and research at age 81. Throughout his career, he published over 400 papers and 12 books on vascular medicine.