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.