Stephen Riffle, Ph.D.

Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jul 09, 2024 at 16:15 UTC

Pup butt. After meandering away from the group, this one came bounding back into the grass to start stalking up on its littermates (off-camera in the upper left background). . . . 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 Tahoe, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/1600

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jul 08, 2024 at 16:48 UTC

Smiles all around as these pups came tumbling out of the tall grass. . . . 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 Tahoe, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/1600

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jul 05, 2024 at 14:44 UTC

mischief is a foot (a floof?) . . . 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 Tahoe, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/1600

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jul 03, 2024 at 13:58 UTC

A joyful coyote pup zoomie . . . 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 Tahoe, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/1600

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jul 02, 2024 at 16:36 UTC

In a stroke of dumb luck, I got to watch a gaggle of coyote pups playing in a meadow while passing through Tahoe. It. Was. Magical lol The pics aren't stellar. But, it'll give you a little preview into the unfettered joy of pups playing in a meadow 😍 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 Tahoe, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/1600

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 20, 2024 at 20:18 UTC

@fishsqueezer.bsky.social -- idk why this occurred to me so late, but here's an example of another writer putting some strong snarkiness into an article to GREAT effect. Pure gold. www.salon.com/2023/10/27/w...

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 21:09 UTC

Ha, that's the joy of freelance. Some people want that snark, so you can bring your style to the projects that want it. I think a certain level of excitement and snark is pretty valuable. Too stilted and the reader will disengage (imo).

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 21:07 UTC

hahahaha I completely overlooked that part of it, didn't even cross my mind but that makes sense

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 21:07 UTC

My shtick is that I deep dive on the science and prioritize scientific accuracy - so they tell me a subject or topic, then I go do a lit search and learn up on it and insist on a scientific reviewer. My goal is to write accurate, interesting stuff that helps people learn or feel intrigued.

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 21:03 UTC

Other times its simply that the listed author doesn't have time to do the writing and story crafting. So they may give bullet points to a writer who then turns it into a draft. Then the author edits and molds it into the final article.

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 21:02 UTC

...They want the expert's name out there and they want people to read what they have to say. But the expert may be a great scientist, but less than stellar story teller. If you can't keep people's attention, it's a lot harder to be known as a thought leader.

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 21:01 UTC

Nah, I'm unattributed author (= ghost writer) for various reasons. Often companies want the writing to be associated just with them, so they're listed as the author. Other times its because the company wants to build up their own folks as subject matter experts. So....

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 20:59 UTC

www.bedrockocean.com/insights/rig...

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 20:59 UTC

www.nature.com/articles/d42...

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 20:58 UTC

Here's a few examples:

www.bit.bio/blog/molecul...

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 20:49 UTC

I've also helped write published papers because the listed authors needed a first draft, and have helped others write up website copy for their personal or laboratory pages. I think its just the sweet spot of understanding the material, having dedicated time to writing, and adding story flare.

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 20:47 UTC

That's where I come in. I read up on the topic, learn from the researchers there, then try to tell a story with it. My audience is usually "researchers on their coffee break." Often pieces authored by thought leaders or CEOs were written by a 👻 too and then (maybe) edited by the listed author.

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 20:43 UTC

Yea good q. It mostly comes down to the need for good story telling & accurate, nuanced descriptions of research. Biotechs, hospitals, non-profits -- all want to write about their work, but rarely have ppl who can do both (or have the time to do both)...

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Jun 18, 2024 at 16:11 UTC

Hey Ya'll,

Some of you may know that I work as a scientific ghost writer (😎). If you work in science (🧪🔬🌿) and have about 10 minutes, I could use your help with a little informal survey. Please share it far and wide -- a higher N is always better.

Thanks!
www.surveymonkey.com/r/SZ23SQR

1 replies 3 reposts 2 likes

Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] May 24, 2024 at 21:45 UTC

Damn, didn't know that! Brutal but amazing.

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] May 24, 2024 at 16:53 UTC

*Thread* 3/3 Here, a pair of coyotes spotted the squirrelly commotion and began to hunt. I fear that this kind of event, while not directly feeding the coyotes, sets a precedent that humans can be accompanied by little furry snacks.  🐡🌿🦊 🌎🪶 San Francisco, CA 📸 135mm, F5.6, 1/400

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] May 24, 2024 at 16:51 UTC

*Thread* 2/3 While I don't condone this practice, I understand there's a lot of psychological nuances involved. Still, there can be knock on effects when you encourage prey species to swarm.  🐡🌿🦊 🌎🪶 San Francisco, CA 📸 135mm, F5.6, 1/400

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] May 24, 2024 at 16:50 UTC

*Thread* 1/3 Sometimes, feeding coyotes isn't obvious or intended. Here, a person was feeding squirrels. 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/250

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] May 24, 2024 at 05:03 UTC

We do indeed!

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] May 23, 2024 at 18:29 UTC

Thems the rules, you just doing your part

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] May 23, 2024 at 18:28 UTC

And of course, every incident has its rubberneckers 🐡🌿🦊 🌎🪶 San Francisco, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/1600

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] May 23, 2024 at 18:27 UTC

Shortly after the initial grab 🐡🌿🦊 🌎🪶 San Francisco, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/1600

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] May 23, 2024 at 18:26 UTC

A zoomed out version. Also, note that the first image in this thread is mislabeled, should say 300mm for zoom. 🐡🌿🦊 🌎🪶 San Francisco, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/1600

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] May 23, 2024 at 18:24 UTC

After watching this, I'm pretty sure that death by coyote is FAR better than death by heron. 🐡🌿🦊 🌎🪶 San Francisco, CA 📸 130mm, F5.6, 1/1600

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] May 08, 2024 at 16:07 UTC

From out of the shadows, a curious dream, ephemeral in all but memory. (Resharing this one because why not 🤷‍♂️) 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA 📸 130mm, F5.6, 1/1600

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] May 07, 2024 at 15:38 UTC

Watching curiously as people and dogs walk on the trail below. 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/250

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 26, 2024 at 16:16 UTC

Another couple shots from 4/20. I was lucky enough to be in a spot where I could see the coyotes emerge from the bushes and then proceed to cross the road one at a time, first wearily, then at speed.  🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/2000

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 25, 2024 at 15:38 UTC

Sleepy days, what better time to rest among the flowers? 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/160

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 24, 2024 at 17:14 UTC

Yeah, it’s definitely uphill. But, can’t crest it if we don’t try :) props on keeping up with it and here’s hoping we both find some measure of success!

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 24, 2024 at 16:45 UTC

Ugh, editing error: Best to keep a distance between the ***coyote*** and you+your dog. Do not distance yourself from your dog.

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 24, 2024 at 16:42 UTC

*Note that that last picture wasn't from the same encounter, but I suspect is the same coyote.

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 24, 2024 at 16:41 UTC

🧵 On Bold Coyote Behavior: This is not to provoke fear, but to encourage positive co-existence. Coyotes are important in many ways, but they're also wild animals who deserve respect, and that means recognizing and reinforcing mutual boundaries.  🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/2000

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 24, 2024 at 16:38 UTC

🧵 On Bold Coyote Behavior: (3) Keep control over tense situations by leashing your pets. 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/2000

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 24, 2024 at 16:36 UTC

🧵 On Bold Coyote Behavior: (2) If the yote persists, haze it by getting loud, clapping, and throwing items between you and the yote (not at it, as your goal is to deter, not harm). Do this as you slowly leave the area. Cracking a belt works well. 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/2000

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 24, 2024 at 16:34 UTC

🧵 On Bold Coyote Behavior: A few additional tips: (1) Best to keep a large distance between you+your dog and to calmly leave the area; 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA 📸 300mm, F5.6, 1/2000

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 24, 2024 at 16:33 UTC

🧵 On Bold Coyote Behavior:
This could be escorting behavior, reckless curiosity, boldness born out of habit, or other such reasons. Hard to say. But, if this happens to you, report it at at BayAreaCoyote.org
🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA
📸 120mm, F5.0, 1/2000

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 24, 2024 at 16:31 UTC

🧵 On Bold Coyote Behavior: After approaching the dog and its owner, this coyote persisted in following them (at a slower pace) for about 10 yards before peeling off into some nearby trees.  🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA 📸 120mm, F5.0, 1/2000

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 24, 2024 at 16:29 UTC

🧵 On Bold Coyote Behavior: Lots of reports of a coyote in GGP approaching dogs and people. Last week I saw a few ex of this, one shown in this thread. The coyote had seen a dog and its owner nearby. The coyote reversed course to walk towards the pair. 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA 📸 120mm, F5.0, 1/2000

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 23, 2024 at 23:07 UTC

Looking back through old pics and found this one, so thought I'd share it on here: A coyote resting among the oaks. 🐡🌿🦊 🌎 San Francisco, CA 📸 120mm, F5.0, 1/400

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 23, 2024 at 22:29 UTC

Also, people look at your words and read your images, so keep your presentations visual and not text-based.

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Stephen Riffle, Ph.D. @eyaspectre.bsky.social [ View ] Apr 23, 2024 at 22:27 UTC

The importance of non-work hobbies. It's too easy to get sucked into the lab day after day. Drawing hard boundaries and allowing yourself to find outlets outside of lab can do wonders for you, both as a person and a creative professional. TL;DR: Don't lose yourself in your work.

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