Miller J. Houston

Miller J. Houston is a Professor of Chemistry and Co-Director of the Environmental and Green Chemistry Program at George Washington University. His research focuses on laser diagnostics for biotechnology, atmospheric, and combustion chemistries, including the development of optical sensors and sensors for wildfire and industrial flare monitoring. He leads a group awarded a $430,000 NSF grant to create a standoff sensor for wildfires and industrial flares.

Education: PhD from the University of Virginia (Chemistry) and AB from Oberlin College.

Research emphasizes laser heterodyne radiometry for greenhouse gas profiling, combustion chemistry, and nanoparticle-based sensors. His NSF-funded project addresses climate change data gaps by developing real-time wildfire and flare emission sensors. Recent work includes methane detection via hydrogen fluoride proxy and vertical temperature profiling techniques.

Teaching includes courses like General Chemistry, Molecular Spectroscopy, and a proseminar on scientific reasoning. His lab’s innovations in sensor technology aim to improve environmental monitoring and response systems.