Clark A. Miller

Clark A. Miller is a Professor at Arizona State University where he serves as Associate Director for Promotion & Tenure in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He holds multiple leadership positions including Director of the Center for Energy & Society, Associate Director of the Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes, and Senior Global Futures Scientist in the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. His affiliations span numerous research centers including the Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Humanities for the Environment Global Network, and the Center for Negative Carbon Emissions.

Education:

• BS in Electrical Engineering from University of Illinois (1990)
• PhD in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University (1995)
• Postdoctoral positions at Cornell University Department of Science & Technology Studies and Harvard Kennedy School of Government Belfer Center (1995-1999)

Miller is a global leader in carbon-neutral energy transitions research with a focus on the social drivers, dynamics, and consequences of energy system change. His work explores how societies imagine, know, and construct technological systems in ways that cultivate human thriving and justice. He has pioneered research on solar futures through books like Cities of Light and The Weight of Light, examining the design of solar-powered societies through interdisciplinary and speculative approaches. His research interests span energy justice, knowledge systems analysis, and the governance of socio-technical transitions.

Analysis of Miller's recent publications reveals a strong focus on energy transitions, particularly solar energy futures and urban resilience. His work consistently integrates social justice perspectives with technical analysis, emphasizing co-production of knowledge and community-centered approaches. The publications demonstrate growing attention to decolonial perspectives in energy transitions and the need for anticipatory governance frameworks that can address complex socio-technical challenges.

Leadership and Research Initiatives:

• Director of Sustainability for Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar Technologies Engineering Research Center
• Senior Fellow at Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems
• Energy and Society co-lead of LightWorks
• Lincoln Fellow in the Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics
• Co-organizer of Solar Tomorrows initiative

Miller leads multiple major research efforts including the US-Pakistan Centers for Advanced Studies in Energy and the Urban Resilience to Extremes Sustainability Research Network. His grant portfolio demonstrates strong federal and international support for interdisciplinary research that bridges engineering, social sciences, and policy analysis. He has developed innovative educational programs including the Science Master's Program in Solar Energy Engineering Commercialization and has advised numerous graduate students through ASU's Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology PhD program.

As Director of the Center for Energy & Society, Miller oversees research teams focused on energy justice, policy innovation, and community engagement. His work with the Solar Tomorrows initiative brings together scholars, practitioners, and community members to co-create solar energy futures that prioritize human dignity and ecological sustainability.