Stephen Miller

Visiting Assistant Professor

Chemistry
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I was born and raised in WI. My parents (a Lutheran pastor and a teacher) moved to the Twin Cities while I was in high school, and I graduated from Concordia Academy in Roseville, MN.

After graduation from high school, I attended the University of Minnesota Duluth, where I received B.S. Chemistry and B.S. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology degrees. I stayed at UMD and earned an M.S. Chemistry degree, with an emphasis on computational physical chemistry. I then joined the group of Dr. Doreen Leopold at the U of MN and earned a Ph.D. Chemistry degree, with an emphasis on physical inorganic chemistry. My doctoral dissertation involved the use of anion photoelectron spectroscopy and computational chemistry to study small (<20 atom) clusters containing at least one metal atom. Upon graduation, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Washington State University, where I studied anisotropy in the chemical decomposition mechanism of high explosives. Since discovering my passion for teaching (during my sophomore year as an undergraduate), I have also taught a variety chemistry labs and lectures, including most subdivisions of chemistry.

Apart from my background and interest in chemistry, I enjoy spending time outdoors. My most significant hobby is the study of the American Civil War; my book collection currently contains more Civil War books than chemistry books. I have been happily married to my high school sweet heart since June of 2000. We currently have two dogs (both goldendoodles), and had our first child (a girl) in November, 2008.