Brennan Phillips specializes in the development and application of novel instrumentation for oceanographic research. His current research topics include fiber optic microtethers, distributed sensing, soft robotics, and low-cost, lightweight methods for ocean exploration. Dr. Phillips is a National Geographic Explorer and has participated in and/or lead dozens of oceanographic research expeditions around the world. Dr. Phillips is an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Ocean Engineering and Joint Faculty in the Graduate School of Oceanography at URI, and is Adjunct Faculty in Arizona State University’s School of Ocean Futures/Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences. He received his BS in Ocean Engineering (’04) from URI, an MS in Oceanography from the University of Connecticut (’07), and a PhD in Oceanography from URI/GSO (’16). Prior to joining the faculty at URI, Dr. Phillips served as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory and was the lead ROV engineer/pilot for Dr. Robert Ballard. He is a passionate teacher and enjoys surfing, fishing, running, and spending time with his family.
