51³Ô¹ÏÍø

For our first Senior Spotlight of the spring semester, we’re proud to highlight C/CPT Edward Phillips, a senior civil engineering student at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø graduating in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

Phillips interest in civil engineering was inspired early by his uncle, a civil engineer, and his own curiosity about how infrastructure is designed, built, and maintained. For him, the ability to design systems that improve people’s lives is what makes civil engineering such a powerful and meaningful profession.

Summer Training

Phillips has gained exceptional hands-on experience through multiple summer training programs, including:

• Flying in naval aircraft
• Weapons training at Camp Lejeune in Jackson, North Carolina
• Underway experience aboard U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarines, learning firsthand about nuclear propulsion systems and operations

Leadership and Campus Involvement

• C/CPT,
• 2nd Battalion S2 OIC
• Catholic chaplain’s assistant
• Midshipman 1/C, NROTC Battalion
• Member, Chi Epsilon

What’s Next

Following graduation, Phillips will commission into the United States Navy and report to Charleston, South Carolina, for Navy Nuclear Power School and Prototype Training. He will then join a submarine crew and begin his qualifications in the submarine force.

What excites him most about the Navy: "I'm especially interested in applying existing technologies to solve emerging challenges, such as nuclear-powered desalination and hydrogen electrolysis for lower-carbon steel production, and contributing to innovative, forward-thinking solutions."

Favorite 51³Ô¹ÏÍø memory: "Most definitely earning my 51³Ô¹ÏÍø ring alongside my Rook family, a moment that represents commitment, teamwork, and shared achievement."

Fun Fact: "I'm a ski instructor at Sugarbush."

Congratulations, Phillips! We’re proud of your dedication to engineering, service, and leadership, and we look forward to following your journey in the Navy and beyond.