Paul M. Miller

Dr. Paul M. Miller joined the faculty of the West Virginia University Department of Physics and Astronomy in 2009.

Dr. Miller received his B.S. in physics at the University of Wyoming, where he also completed a B.A. in secondary science education with a minor in chemistry. He received his M.S. in physics from the University of Michigan, where he worked in the field of space plasma physics.

He has 11 years of high school science teaching experience from teaching positions in Oregon, Maryland, and West Virginia. He taught physics, applied physics, earth science, and chemistry. He holds a permanent secondary teaching certificate in West Virginia.

Dr. Miller first joined the department as a Research Experience for Teachers participant during the summer of 2003, doing plasma physics research in Dr. Mark Koepke’s laboratory. His work continued for several summers before he left high school teaching to complete a PhD. His dissertation research examined modulated nonlinear dynamics in a neon glow discharge plasma.

His current role is primarily that of a physics teacher. His other interests include physics education research, informal science education, science outreach, and plasma physics.  He specializes in the teaching of introductory physics for engineers, serving as the course coordinator for Physics 111. In addition, he is part of a national online community of faculty working to improve outcomes in physical science courses for elementary education majors.