I was previously Technical Fellow for Propulsion Systems at GE Aerospace, the SSTM for Hypersonics at the US NAVY / NAWCAD / NAVAIR, DARPA Director’s Fellow for Hypersonics, Professor at University of Florida’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, PI of the Theoretical Fluid Dynamics and Turbulence Group, and Research Aerospace Engineer at NASA.
My fundamental research interests are fluid dynamics, theoretical fluid dynamics, theoretical aeroacoustics, turbulence, turbulence modeling, and related sub-disciplines. I highly value rigorous fundamental research and want to work on the hardest problems.
Youtube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/SAEMiller]
LinkedIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/saemiller/]
Personal Website [https://saemiller.com]
Awards
- DARPA Director’s Fellow (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), 2023-2025.
- AIAA Associate Fellow, “For contributions to the field of theoretical and numerical aeroacoustics,” 2024.
- DARPA Young Faculty Award, “Analytical Prediction of Near-Field Hypersonic Aerodynamics,” 2021.
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Early Career Achievement Medal, “For Impressive Research Contributions to Theoretical Jet Aeroacoustics and the NASA Mission,” 2015.
- Office of Naval Research (ONR), Young Investigator Award (YIP), Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Code 35, 2017.
- Researcher of the Year Award, University of Florida Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 2022.
- United States Air Force Faculty Fellowship, “Combustion Thermo-Acoustic Instability Source Statistics and Wave Propagation,” Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Aerospace Systems Directorate, Combustion Branch, 2019.
- Doug Ensor Award, “In recognition of contributions to the profession, significant technical accomplishments, and community involvement,” 2016.
- AIAA Hampton Roads Section Robert A. Mitcheltree Young Engineer of the Year Award, “For making significant technical contributions in the field of aeroacoustics,” 2016.
- NASA Langley Center Directors Commendation, “In recognition of your dedication, commitment to excellence, and achievements in support of the Space Shuttle Program,” 2014.
- Nominated by NASA for the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, 2014.
- Editor’s Choice Award, American Society of Civil Engineering, Journal of Structural Engineering, 2022.
- AIAA Laurence J. Bement Young Professional Paper Award, 2013.
- AIAA Laurence J. Bement Young Professional Paper Award, Runner up, 2012.
Select Positions
Technical Fellow – Propulsion Systems, GE Aerospace Research, Created future propulsion strategy for GE Aerospace. Led aeromechanics, thermodynamics, systems, and physical modeling teams in support of civil and military propulsion objectives. Developed technical road maps, identified strategic priorities, and advised leadership on future propulsion investments across subsonic through hypersonic flight. Started mentoring technical leaders for GE’s core research program and served as a technical expert resource across multiple groups including heat transfer, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems. Created and led a road map and research group for a rotating detonation engine effort for Mach 2 through 7 hypersonic propulsion systems in conjunction with the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin. Provided technical direction and recommendations in a complex aerospace environment where alternative paths carried different technical, cost, schedule, and programmatic impacts.
US Navy, NAVAIR, NAWC, AD: Senior Scientific Technical Manager (SSTM) for Hypersonics and Senior Scientist for Hypersonic Technologies, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC), Aircraft Division (ACDIV), residing within the Air Systems Group (ASG). Establish a comprehensive vision for Navy hypersonic aviation, creating a viable hypersonics entity capable of supporting future mission requirements and ensuring credibility in all developmental phases. Provide subject matter expertise in aeromechanics, aerodynamics, materials, propulsion, control systems, structural engineering, and other relevant areas. Develop and implement advanced analytical and testing methodologies, including high-order modeling and simulation, to guide research, development, testing, and evaluation efforts. Integrate emerging hypersonic technologies into new vehicle designs and oversee technical projects to achieve robust technological maturity in accordance with DoD acquisition policies, engineering standards, airworthiness criteria, and environmental guidelines. Leverage extensive knowledge of DoD and DoN hypersonic RDT&E roadmaps, lead diverse RDT&E teams, negotiate complex solutions with key stakeholders, and ensure alignment with established programmatic goals. Deliver cutting-edge innovations that strengthen the Navy’s leadership in hypersonic aviation
DARPA: DARPA Director’s Fellow, Hypersonics, Recognized by the DARPA Director for significant technical impact, leadership in aerospace engineering, and unique contributions to the field of hypersonics. One of two DARPA Director’s Fellows serving as a faculty member and the only one appointed in hypersonics across multiple years. Led a team of university professionals developing numerical and analytical techniques to predict external hypersonic flow-fields and aerothermodynamic effects on high-speed flight-vehicles. Provided technical leadership in a complex research environment requiring judgment on competing approaches, methods, and research directions. Communicated results clearly to large groups of stakeholders within the DARPA community, including in-person presentations to audiences of more than 250 at DARPA.
University of Florida: He joined the University of Florida in August of 2016 and was tenured. He was an Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering [MAE] and led the Theoretical Fluid Dynamics and Turbulence Group. He conducted research in theoretical fluid dynamics, theoretical aeroacoustics, and related disciplines in conjunction with his students. His students obtained positions in government agencies, industries, and academics. Lead research in hypersonics, theoretical fluid dynamics, turbulence, aeroacoustics, and other programs. Advise undergraduate through post-doctoral students. Teach graduate and undergraduate courses. Run an externally funded international research program. Perform research, teaching, and service for the university and international community. Serve the university and greater community. Member of committees at department, college, and university level.
NASA: For seven years he was a Research Aerospace Engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center, Aeroacoustics Branch. Research in theoretical fluid dynamics and theoretical aeroacoustics to explain fundamental physics of turbulence, sound generation, and sound propagation. Conduct predictions based upon newly developed first principles theories using the Navier-Stokes equations. Education and outreach through undergraduate and graduate advising. Review and monitor proposals for NASA, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy.
Graduate Research and Graduate Teaching Assistant, The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Aerospace Engineering.
Graduate Research Internship, Department of Defense Major Shared Resource Center, Engineering Research Development Center.
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Michigan State University, Mechanical Engineering.
Education
Received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University under A.D. Welliver Boeing Professor Philip J. Morris, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University studying under Professor Mei Zhuang, and studied statistics briefly at Taganrog State University, Russia.
Outside Interests
Opera, art history, and scientific history.