Phillips' contributions to computational biology include advanced techniques for interpreting experimental data in complex chemical and biological systems. He focused on the interaction between troponin T (TnT) and tropomyosin, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms in muscle contractions. Additionally, he explored protein dynamics in crystals by using the Gaussian network model (GNM) and a crystallographic model to calculate Cα atom fluctuations in 113 proteins emphasizing the improved results obtained by considering neighboring molecules in the crystal. In a book chapter discussing ongoing advancements in experimental methods for complex chemical and biological systems, he highlighted the growing need for creative approaches and delved into the exploration of Normal Mode Analysis as a technique to address these challenges.