Phil attended Thiel College where he received his B.A. in Chemistry.  He grew up in McKeesport, PA, just a short drive from downtown Pittsburgh. Phil first began research at the University of Pittsburgh as an REU student in the summer of 2003 working in the Pratt lab. After completing his degree from Thiel College the following year, he decided to continue doing research in the Pratt lab while earning his doctorate in physical chemistry.