Principal Investigator
Brennan T. Phillips, PhD (Google Scholar)
Associate Professor in Ocean Engineering, Graduate School of Oceanography (Limited Joint Appointment)
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Brennan Phillips specializes in the development and application of novel instrumentation for oceanographic research. His current research topics include fiber optic 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.
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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.
Email: brennanphillips@uri.edu
Office: Fish 6
Graduate Students
Jason Noel
Ph.D. Student in Ocean Engineering
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Jason earned his BS in Ocean Engineering and a Minor in Oceanography from URI in 2022. He began his work in the Undersea Robotics and Imaging Lab as an undergraduate, assisting with lab maintenance and graduate research. He is currently a PhD student with a research focus on the further development of the Fiber Optic Reel System and exploring novel ways the technology can be utilized. Jason is also an Emerging Coastal Leader through the Coastal Institute, and the lead Patents2Products Fellow through the 401 Tech Bridge RISE-UP initiative. Outside of Academia, Jason spends most of his time fishing, thinking about fishing, and woodworking.
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Research:
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– Analyzing the optomechanical properties of Fiber Optic Fishing Line microtether used with the Fiber Optic Reel System
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– Improving existing Fiber Optic Reel System to be remotely controlled, have a larger drum capacity, and a more precise wind
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– Development of compact sensor packages combining epoxy potted electronics, 3D printing, and standard manufacturing techniques
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Education:
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– BS in Ocean Engineering, University of Rhode Island 2022
– Minor in Oceanography
Email: jason_noel@uri.edu
Office: Fish 7
Katie Burrows
Ph.D. Student in Ocean Engineering
Katie received her BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from San Jose State University. She is currently working towards her PhD in Ocean Engineering. Her research focuses on the deployment of fiber optic cables for distributed sensing. She also enjoys surfing and sailing.
Email: katie.burrows@uri.edu
Office: Fish 7
Michael Daeffler
Mike received his Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the US Coast Guard Academy and his Masters’ in Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan. His interests are in low cost marine robotic solutions and is currently focusing on soft robotic actuator design and control. Mike is a licensed Professional Engineer. He enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors.
Undergraduate Students
Naomi Gitelman
B.S. Ocean Engineering Student
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Naomi is earning her B.S. in Ocean Engineering and is from New Haven, CT. She is the undergraduate lab manager and handles everyday activities in the lab. Outside of the lab she enjoys sailing and making music.
Email: naomi.gitelman@uri.edu
Lab Alumni
- Johann Becker (Ph.D ’25)
- Breanna Motsenbocker (Ph.D ’25)
- Rendhy Sapiie (Ph.D ’24)
- Alexander Yin (Ph.D ’24)
- Brian Leong (BS ’24)
- Sarah Mayer (BS ’24)
- Russell Shomberg (Ph.D ’23)
- Alexandra Runyan (MS ’23)
- Maddy Karp (BS ’23)
- Nicholas P. Chaloux (MS ’22)
- Karla Haiat (BS ’20)
- Garrett Connelly (BS ’19)
- Chris Haramut (BS ’18)
