Kerri Phillips

Dr. Kerri Phillips is a 2007 Summa Cum Laude graduate of West Virginia University, where she earned dual B.S. degrees in aerospace and mechanical engineering. She went on to obtain a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from WVU in 2011 and an M.S. in systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 2015.

Kerri joined the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in 2011, where she has made significant technical contributions as a subject matter expert in missile guidance and control. Her contributions to the development of innovative guidance algorithms have supported

multiple weapons programs and earned her a letter of recognition from the Missile Defense Agency. Kerri was inducted as a member of the Principal Professional Staff, the highest level of individual achievement and professional stature at APL.

Currently, Dr. Phillips is the Chief Scientist of the Air and Missile Defense Sector at APL. In this role, she advises on strategic technical direction, science and technology initiatives, and the application of novel technologies to address critical warfighting needs. Prior to her current role, she was Program Area Manager for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T), where she focused on developing and transitioning state-of-the-art capabilities to revolutionize ISR&T in the military. She also served as APL’s Hypersonic Weapons Program Manager, working closely with the Department of Defense to rapidly develop and field hypersonic systems.

Kerri is dedicated to teaching and mentoring students. She was an instructor for aerospace engineering and engineering management courses at Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering from 2013 to 2019 and currently teaches guidance and control of hypersonic systems at the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering. She has also been an active member of the West Virginia University Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering Department Visiting Committee since 2019, and she often returns to campus for speaking engagements and to interact with students.

Kerri is passionate about STEM outreach, mentorship, and volunteering. She is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and was honored with the Emerging Leader Award from the Society of Women Engineers. Her passion for inspiring future engineers and scientists has made her a sought-after speaker at numerous events and engagements.

Kerri and her husband, Tim, live in Maryland with their daughters, Nicole and Mya.