Montana Western Professor Discusses Science Writing at National Geology Conference

October 27, 2026

University of Montana Western geology professor Robert C. Thomas joined fellow authors at the Geological Society of America's national meeting in Denver, Colorado, to discuss the challenges of writing about geology for a general audience.

Thomas participated in a panel discussion titled “From Research to Bookshelf: Bringing Science to the Public.” The session brought together authors of geology books written for readers without a scientific background. Moderated by science communicator Dr. Rachel Phillips, known online as GeoGirl, the discussion covered the challenges of explaining scientific concepts to the public and what motivates researchers to write for audiences outside academia.

One topic that came up during the discussion was the lack of institutional support for public-facing science writing. Thomas said many university researchers face pressure to publish academic research and secure grants to fund their work and support graduate students. That can leave little time or incentive to write books for the general public.

Thomas said Montana Western’s tenure and promotion processes are less rigid in this regard, making it easier to pursue this type of work.

Thomas has published three books on the geology of Montana and Yellowstone, including Montana Rocks! A Guide to Geologic Sites Under the Big Sky, Roadside Geology of Montana, Second Edition, and Roadside Geology of Yellowstone Country, Second Edition. All three are published by the Geological Society of America.

His interest in public science writing comes from decades of working in the region and teaching students in Montana and Yellowstone. He said he began teaching in these areas in the summer of 1986 and has continued to draw on that experience in his writing.

“I do them because I have a passion for sharing what I know about Montana and Yellowstone geology that comes from decades of experience working on geologic problems in both areas, and teaching students in these places starting in the summer of 1986!” Thomas said.

For Thomas, making reliable scientific information available to the public is particularly important at a time when people encounter large amounts of information from a wide range of sources.

“The public is bombarded with information these days, and much of it, shall we say, is nonsense,” Thomas said. “Expertise matters, so it is important for those of us with the knowledge and experience to share what we know with the public.”

Writing a book for a general audience takes years of work. Thomas estimates that each of his books requires about five years, including traveling to geological sites, gathering information, taking photographs and reviewing scientific literature.

The writing itself is only one part of the process. After a publisher approves a proposal, the manuscript goes through multiple rounds of editing and revision, followed by peer review and further editorial work. Photographs and graphics are then incorporated into the book’s layout, which is reviewed and edited before publication.

Thomas said the time involved is substantial, but the work is worthwhile if it encourages people to learn more about geology.

“Mostly, it’s important to me that just one young person will read my book and begin a lifelong passion for the discipline of geology,” Thomas said. “That’s what I hope to achieve.”

The conference also gave Thomas an opportunity to connect with other authors who share his interest in public science writing. He said he already knew the other panelists and was familiar with their work, but appreciated hearing their experiences and discussing the challenges of writing books for general audiences.

Thomas is now beginning work on another book, Yellowstone Rocks! A Guide to Geologic Sites in Yellowstone Country. The project will cover geological sites in Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding region, with the goal of helping readers better understand the area’s geology.

As with his previous books, the project will involve visiting sites, taking new photographs and conducting research. Thomas expects the process to take about five years.

“I look forward to traveling to all the sites once again, taking new photos and writing it all up for the layperson to better understand the geology of our nation’s first national park and surrounding areas,” Thomas said. “I don’t enter this process lightly, but it will be fun!”

To purchase a copy of one of Thomas’ books, visit the Geological Society of America.

For more information, please contact Dr. Rob Thomas at [email protected].