Stephen A. Miller
Professor & Associate Chair
Research Focus
Our main research area is the synthesis of sustainable polymers from biorenewable feedstocks—with the specific intent of mimicking commodity thermoplastics. These polymers are generally amenable to biodegradation or even water-degradation. Computational methods have unraveled unusual polymerization and depolymerization chemistry, including hydrolysis under environmentally-relevant conditions. We are also developing Long Covalent Bond Theory (LCBT), a theory that greatly expands our understanding of bonding in molecules and materials.
Education and Training
2000–2001: Postdoc, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (lab of Richard R. Schrock)
1994–1999: Ph.D. Chemistry, California Institute of Technology (lab of John E. Bercaw)
1990–1994: B.S. and M.S Chemistry, Stanford University (lab of Robert M. Waymouth)
Selected Publications
Yoshinaka, Y.; Miller, S. A.* Bio-oil derived polyesteramides as water-degradable replacements for polyethylene. Green Chem. 2025, 27, 4152–4164.
Torgunrud, J. L.; Reveron Perez, A. M.; Spitzberg, E. B.; Miller, S. A.* Entropy-Driven Depolymerization of Poly(dimethylsiloxane). Macromolecules 2023, 56, 3668–3678.
Miller, S. A.* The Location of the Chemical Bond. Application of Long Covalent Bond Theory to the Structure of Silica. Front. Chem. 2023, 11, 1123322.