Dr. Mikel Miller

Dr. Mikel Miller
Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, 1998
M.S., Electrical Engineering, 1987

Dr. Mikel Miller, a member of the scientific and technical cadre of senior executives, is the Chief Scientist of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Munitions Directorate at Eglin AFB, Florida.  He received his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from AFIT in 1987 and then returned to earn his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering in 1998. 

Dr. Miller has very fond memories of his time at AFIT both as a student and Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.  “Those were two of the best assignments I had in the Air Force.  The Master’s program was intense, but a great experience.  My thesis was a blast; I really enjoyed working on robotics and automation” stated Dr. Miller.  While he enjoyed the challenge of the academics, one of the most rewarding outcomes of his time at AFIT was the life-long friends that he made.  Professors who became colleagues and friends like Dr. Peter Maybeck who Dr. Miller praised as “…the best professor I ever had by far.  He has a zeal for life, passion for teaching, and strong faith.  He motivated me to come back and teach at AFIT.  It was a privilege to work alongside him.”  Dr. Miller maintains professional and personal relationships with others from AFIT including fellow 1987 AFIT graduate, Dr. Richard Raines, the Center for Cyber Space Research Director and Dr. John Raquet, the Advanced Navigation Technology (ANT) Center Director.  Dr. Miller worked closely with Dr. Raquet and was instrumental in aligning AFRL’s and the ANT Center’s research visions.  Because of that common vision AFRL and the ANT Center have had a very close working relationship that continues today.

Dr. Miller’s career has focused on navigation system research and development (R&D) related to Global Positioning System (GPS), GPS/Inertial Navigation System (INS) integrations, alternative navigation techniques including bio-inspired navigation and signals of opportunity-based navigation, autonomous vehicle navigation and control, and multi-sensor fusion.  He is currently responsible for directing both in-house and contracted R&D programs advancing precision Air Force Munitions Science and Technology. 

Dr. Miller is married and has five children – three of whom were born during his time at AFIT.  His oldest son, Capt Casey Miller, started AFIT’s Computer Engineering master’s program in September 2010.  Dr. Miller is already looking forward to the 2012 commencement ceremony when he will return to AFIT, this time as the father of an AFIT graduate.