Kate Miller’s research interest is in community ecology, with a focus on exploring the effects of disturbance on community interactions, composition, and niche dynamics in Connecticut riparian and terrestrial systems. She is motivated by questions that can inform conservation and help discern best practices, and that provide opportunities for meaningful student involvement.

Dr. Miller has a diverse academic and professional background that comes together in her primary interests of teaching, and researching and facilitating environmental solutions. She has a BA in Anthropology and Sociology, a Masters in Environmental Studies, and a PhD in Biology. The first half of her professional life included community organizing on social and environmental issues, non-profit environmental advocacy and policy, and environmental program implementation and education. Mid-career she broadened her understanding of the context of these experiences through graduate studies and research in conservation and ecology. Kate has taught environmental studies, ecology, biology and scientific evaluation and writing at a variety of institutions, in addition to holding administrative roles as coordinator for various educational grants (US EPA, US DOL). She has held leadership roles in developing science education content and providing educator training with a focus on teaching early science and non-science students. Kate is active on local environmental issues, and incorporates opportunities for community service and engagement in her teaching. Significant awards include: Recipient System-Wide Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award from the CT Board of Regents April, 2017; National Academies Education Fellow in the Sciences, National Academies, 2015-2016; Switzer Fellow, Switzer Foundation, 1998-1999, Best Municipal Recycling Program from CT Recyclers Coalition, 1995.