Brennan Phillips of Undersea Robotics and Imaging Laboratory (URIL)

Access to the deep ocean (>200m) is very challenging, and is typically achieved using physically large and logistically complex platforms such as industrial-class ROVs and manned submersibles and their associated support vessels.  While incredibly capable, these technologies are very expensive to develop, operate and maintain.  In this presentation, several new inventions and methodologies that dramatically reduce the cost of deep-sea technology development and operation will be reviewed.  These technologies have been field-tested extensively and are also useful for educational purposes.  In addition, recent progress in applying fiber optic distributed temperature sensing for deep-sea oceanographic observing will be presented.

Biography:

Brennan Phillips is an Associate Professor in Ocean Engineering at the University of Rhode Island.  His lab specializes in the development and application of novel instrumentation for oceanographic research, and current research topics include low-light imaging of deep-sea biology and bioluminescence, soft robotic manipulators and hydraulic systems, distributed sensing, 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 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 fishing, surfing, running, and spending time with his family.

Email:

Address:University of Rhode Island, Dept. of Ocean Engineering, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI, United States, 02882