- Associate Professor of Engineering
- Ocean Engineering
- Phone: 401.874.6035
- Email: brennanphillips@uri.edu
- Office Location: 214 Sheets Building
- Website
Biography
Brennan Phillips specializes in the development and application of novel instrumentation for oceanographic research. His current research topics include low-light imaging of deep-sea biology and bioluminescence, soft robotic manipulators, hydraulic systems, distributed sensing, and low-cost, lightweight methods for ocean exploration.
Dr. Phillips received his BS in Ocean Engineering from URI, an MS in Oceanography from the University of Connecticut, and a PhD in Oceanography from URI/GSO. 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, running, and spending time with his family.
Research
- Design and field deployment of novel deep-sea sensors and sampling equipment
- Applying soft robotics to the marine environment
- Low-light imaging techniques to visualize and measure marine bioluminescence
- Advancing the design of ‘stealthy’, lightweight, and low-power deep-sea exploration platforms
- Exploration of hydrothermal vents, submarine volcanos, and other chemosynthetic environments
- Water-column exploration and gelatinous zooplankton
Education
- Ph.D. Oceanography, 2016, University of Rhode Island
- M.S. Oceanography, 2007, University of Connecticut
- B.S. Ocean Engineering, 2004, University of Rhode Island