Rate My Professor Nathan Phillips

Nathan Phillips is Professor in the Department of Earth & Environment at Boston University. He earned a Ph.D. from Duke University in 1997 and a B.S. in Physics from California State University, Sacramento in 1989. Following his doctorate, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Forest Science at Oregon State University from 1998 to 2000. Phillips serves as Director of the Earth House Living Learning Community and teaches courses including Sustainability Science: Earth House Practicum and Plant Physiological Ecology.

His research as a physiological ecologist examines land-climate interactions in terrestrial ecosystems and human-dominated environments, focusing on exchanges of energy, water, and greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide between the air and leaves, soil, buildings, humans, and pipelines. He collaborates with advocates, community members, and policymakers to apply findings toward sustainable communities. Phillips has contributed to policy efforts addressing natural gas leaks through work with Gas Leak Allies, supporting state laws in 2014 and 2016 and a Boston city ordinance. He holds committee roles including on the BU General Education Committee and has served in editorial capacities for Tree Physiology. Phillips maintains an active teaching portfolio centered on sustainability science and environmental topics.