Dr. Sarah N. Miller is a recognized nurse scientist and leader specializing in respiratory symptom science and chronic disease management. Her research focuses on developing equitable, clinically translatable, nurse-led interventions to address compromised respiratory function and improve health outcomes for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Her work emphasizes health equity and expanding access to care for individuals in rural and medically underserved areas.
Her program of research builds upon her foundational training during her T32 Neuroplasticity Fellowship at the University of Florida, where she earned her PhD in Respiratory Neurophysiology. She has made significant contributions to respiratory symptom science, including dyspnea perception, mHealth-based self-management interventions, and technology-enhanced care models for respiratory diseases. Dr. Miller developed the RESP-FIT program, a technology-enhanced intervention for COPD. She has been principal investigator and co-investigator on numerous funded projects, including NIH, HRSA, and DHHS-supported studies. As MUSC Site PI for the NIH/NINR-funded study "Decreasing Disparity in Lung Disease: Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Rural Patients with COPD," she leads efforts to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with COPD in rural areas.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Miller has taught extensively across BSN, DNP, and PhD programs, with a focus on fostering methodological rigor and scientific inquiry. She has mentored numerous PhD students and early-career scientists, contributing to the next generation of nurse scientists. As Interim Assistant Dean of the PhD in Nursing Science Program, she is committed to enhancing program rigor and expanding mentorship opportunities for students.
Dr. Miller serves in national and international leadership roles, including co-chairing NIH study sections on translational respiratory science, actively contributing to the American Thoracic Society, and serving a board member on the International Society for the Advancement of Respiratory Psychophysiology (ISARP).