Lauren Miller

Dr. Lauren Miller is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia, leading the Ice & Ocean Group. Her research integrates sedimentology and geomorphology to study past changes in coastal, marine, and glacial environments, with a focus on reconstructing ice sheet behavior and subglacial processes using geological archives.

• University of Virginia, Department of Environmental Sciences
• Ice & Ocean Group leader
• NSF Office of Polar Programs-funded research
• Specializes in glacial geomorphology and paleoenvironmental reconstruction

Dr. Miller’s work examines glacial retreat mechanisms, subglacial meltwater dynamics, and coastal evolution through sediment core analysis and marine geophysical datasets. Her research spans Antarctica, Greenland, and temperate glaciated regions like the Puget Lowland. Current projects include sedimentological studies of Antarctic continental shelf cores to understand ancient glacial processes and modern ice sheet instability.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in subglacial hydrology, ice shelf stability, and topographic controls on glacier retreat. She actively mentors graduate students and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects related to polar science and sustainability.

Dr. Miller’s research is supported by grants from the NSF Office of Polar Programs, International Union for Quaternary Research, UVA H.G. Goodell Endowment, UVA Committee on Sustainability, and UVA Environmental Institute.

She provides technical guidance for fieldwork and laboratory analyses, including sediment core sampling, grain micromorphology, and statistical modeling of glacial datasets. Her group emphasizes ethical research practices and community engagement in polar science through initiatives like CryoCommunity.