Alexandra Phillips

Alexandra Phillips is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her academic roles include teaching core courses on environmental communication, biogeochemistry, and professional skills development for environmental professionals. She holds a PhD in geochemistry from Caltech and a Bachelor’s in Biology from UCSB’s College of Creative Studies.

Her research focuses on sulfur cycling in aquatic systems, particularly in low-sulfate environments like Lake Superior, and its implications for understanding ancient ocean chemistry. She pioneered novel sulfur isotope analyses to study dissolved organic matter and sulfur amino acids. Her work bridges geochemistry with policy through her AAAS STPF Fellowship advising U.S. Senator Alex Padilla on environmental legislation.

Phillips is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM, developing outreach programs and mentorship initiatives. She has created open-access resources for scientists, including presentation design templates, science communication guides, and photography portfolios. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates scientific research with practical training in communication, policy, and visual arts.

Awards include the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship. Her teaching spans environmental communication strategies, public speaking, and capstone projects. She previously led communications at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) and conducted postdoctoral research at UCSB and the Large Lakes Observatory.