Michele Miller
15-year member

Dr. Michele Miller

Associate Dean and Professor, Campbell University
NC

Engineers!

Jenni Glauser
Santiana Jean-Baptiste
Barbara Nielsen
Hope Bovenzi
Popy Aziz
Missy Cummings
Denise Gray
Zahra Khan
Aurelie Azoug
Cassandra Eerdmans
Upekesha Ngugi
Colista Freeman
Education
Machines
Close Up
  • What I Do
    I am a mechanical engineering professor. I work with graduate students on research projects involving the development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). We do a lot of laboratory experiments and computer analysis. I also teach classes on manufacturing topics.
  • Why Engineering?
    I liked doing hands-on things when I was young. In high school, my favorite classes were physics and math. Based on these interests, my dad (who is an engineer) suggested that I might like engineering.
  • School Days
    I received a BS from Duke University and MS and Ph.D. degrees from North Carolina State University.
  • My Day At Work
    When I worked in the auto industry, much of my work involved communicating with people from other companies, from factories, or other engineers within my company. Working at a university as a graduate student and now as a professor has allowed me to do more hands-on work and spend less time doing paperwork or making phone calls. My job as a professor has a lot of variety. In addition to the laboratory activities, I spend a lot of time reading about the latest technology developments, writing about my research, giving presentations about my research, preparing material for classes, teaching classes, and meeting with students.
  • Best Part
    I like the math. I enjoy using computers and equations to explain things.
  • Proud Moments
    I'm proudest of having made a positive impact on many students' lives.
  • Challenges
    Engineering requires a lot of persistence. Large projects last several years, so it sometimes takes awhile for your work to bear fruit. I've become better at focusing on the small pieces that will eventually add up to the big result. Another challenge has been to become a better communicator. Engineering may seem like a good career for introverts, but I've learned that more work gets accomplished when I communicate and collaborate regularly with others.
  • My Family
    My dad is a retired metallurgical engineer. After retiring from General Motors, he taught a class at a local university for several years. My mom was a fifth grade teacher before becoming a full-time mom. She has many cultural interests and regularly gives tours at the local art museum. I have one sister one year younger than me who works in the financial services industry. I have a dog named Scooter.
  • Dreams and Goals
    My short-term goal is to gain expertise in microsystems--a new research area for me. The technology of small things will be especially important in the years to come. My long-term goals are to continue to learn new things, to become a great teacher, and to do worthwhile research.
  • Inspiration
    My parents, with engineering and teaching backgrounds, definitely had the greatest influence on my life choices. The experience of going to graduate school opened my eyes to research--an engineering career that I hadn't given consideration to before.
  • Want to be an Engineer?
    The opportunities for great jobs are endless. There are many challenging problems to work on; find one that matches your interests and then find people to learn from.
  • Additional Thoughts
    The opportunities for great jobs are endless. There are many challenging problems to work on; find one that matches your interests and then find people to learn from.
  • Hobbies
    I love sports and spending time outside. My town is a great place for golf, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and skiing.
Biography
I am the Associate Dean of Engineering at Campbell University. I teach classes in mechanical engineering.
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Education
BS 1986 Duke University MS 1991 NC State University PhD 1994 NC State University
Volunteer Opportunities
  • I am willing to be contacted by educators for possible speaking engagements in schools or in after school programs or summer camps.
  • I am willing to serve as science fair judge or other temporary volunteer at a local school.
  • I am willing to host a field trip to my place of employment.
  • I am willing to answer written interview questions to be posted on the EngineerGirl website.