Dr. Sarah Miller is an Associate Professor in the College of Nursing. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Florida, where she was funded by an NIH T32 Neuroplasticity Fellowship for her doctoral studies in Respiratory Neurophysiology. She has a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and an MSN in Nursing Education.
Dr. Miller began her career as a basic scientist. She returned to nursing school after completing her basic science training to better apply the findings of her research discoveries to patient populations, as part of the continued effort for bench-to-bedside translational research. She has studied the physiological mechanisms of central neural behavioral control and perception of breathing. Dr. Miller is also interested in how neurological deficits (TBI, stroke, spinal injury, neuromuscular disease) affect the perception of breathing and associated airway defenses. Her program of research focuses on chronic respiratory disease (such as asthma and COPD), sex disparities in COPD, and the relationship between dyspnea, anxiety/depression, and quality of life in patients with chronic respiratory disease. She is currently investigating application of telehealth interventions to engage and empower patients, promote self-management, and address health disparities and inequities in vulnerable populations with respiratory diseases.
Dr. Miller has received several honors for her research, teaching and service, including the Excellence in Basic Science Research Award (University of Florida), National Daisy Award for Excellence in Nursing Education, Community Leader (Sigma Theta Tau Beta-Theta-at-Large Chapter), and Most Engaging Professor Teaching Award (University of Memphis). She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, Southern Nursing Research Society, Tennessee Nurses Association, Undergraduate Research Council, International Society for Advancement of Respiratory Psychophysiology, and the American Nurses Association. She serves as the Faculty Scholar for the Presidential Scholars Program at MUSC and on the Faculty Senate University Faculty Hearing Committee.