Phil grew up on a small farm in upstate New York. Farming wasn’t for him, and he turned his eyes upward, dreaming of becoming an astronaut while studying astronomy. He earned a BA in Physics at Cornell University, then studied Planetary Sciences as a graduate student at the University of Arizona.

Moving in a new direction, Phil relocated to Huntington Beach to work as an aerospace engineer at McDonnell Douglas for a decade. Later, to follow his passion, Phil became a high school science teacher, a position he held for 30 years. During that time Phil steadily gazed upward, engaging students in physics, astronomy, aerospace engineering, and robotics.

Teaching isn’t just a job for Phil – it’s a mission. He helped students build confidence, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and believe in their own potential to solve real-world problems. Whether mentoring struggling students, encouraging curiosity, or advising academic competition teams, Phil consistently focused on helping others grow.

While discussing the state of world affairs, someone challenged Phil to “do something.” That challenge resonates strongly with him. A positive vision of what we can become guides Phil today.

Phil spent decades preparing our youth to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. He’s now ready to serve the broader community in tackling the problems of today.