J. Houston Miller

J. Houston Miller serves as Professor of Chemistry and Co-Director of the Environmental and Green Chemistry Program at George Washington University. His work bridges fundamental chemistry with practical environmental applications through advanced laser-based diagnostic tools for combustion and atmospheric monitoring.

Education

• PhD, University of Virginia
• AB, Oberlin College

Research Focus Dr. Miller specializes in combustion chemistry and optical sensor development, with current projects including cavity enhanced absorption (CEA) sensors and nanoparticle-based biological platforms. His NSF-funded $430,000 grant develops standoff laser heterodyne radiometers for wildfire and industrial flare monitoring, addressing climate change data gaps through real-time measurement of fire intensity, combustion efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Teaching He instructs General Chemistry I (Chem 1111), General Chemistry II (Chem 1112), Scientific Reasoning & Discovery Proseminar (Honr 1033), and Molecular Spectroscopy (Chem 6278), emphasizing experimental techniques and spectroscopic applications.

Research Infrastructure The Miller group operates from GW Laser Analytics (800 22nd St. NW, Washington DC), developing near-infrared systems for potassium detection in wildfires and mid-infrared systems targeting carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane emissions from combustion sources.