Centers and Institutes

The mission of CAWC is to promote positive intergroup relations among students, faculty, and staff on campus and to improve the climate for diversity on campus. An an interdisciplinary center, CAWC promotes the informed discussion, research, and study of race, class, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, nationality, religion, and physical difference here in the United States and abroad. Director: Tarah Trueblood (trueblutl@MiamiOH.edu).

The Center for Analytics and Data Science provides an innovative environment where students and faculty can embrace the application of analytics and data science; engage in research that transforms the practice of analytics and data science; receive support in developing their skills; and find opportunities to elevate their understanding through research, coursework, collaboration and experiential learning. Director: Sandy Steiger (Sandy.Steiger@MiamiOH.edu)

The Center for Aquatic and Watershed Sciences (CAWS), in the College of Arts & Science, was established to promote research and education on the linkages between watersheds and aquatic ecosystems. CAWS brings together faculty, students and staff from several departments in a collaborative environment to address these and many other questions related to watersheds and aquatic ecosystems. Director: Mike Vanni (vannimj@MiamiOH.edu)

Housed within the College of Engineering and Computing, the Miami University Center for Assistive Technologies (MU-CAT) identifies socially relevant problems and develops engineering solutions by engaging students and faculty at Miami University across multiple divisions. MU-CAT conducts externally funded interdisciplinary research projects; engages students in socially relevant, experiential learning; and helps recruit women students to engineering majors. Director: James Chagdes (James.Chagdes@MiamiOH.edu).

The Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics (CBFG) is a state-of-the-art research and training facility available for all members of Miami University, with the goal of advancing research opportunities for faculty, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergrads in all fields that intersect in molecular biology and big data bioinformatics. The CBFG employs full-time staff, who are available for training, operation, and maintenance of the Center's equipment, which includes an Illumina MiSeq, ONT minION, two Applied Biosystems capillary DNA sequencers, a BiomekFX robotic liquid handling system, qPCR thermocyclers, ancillary equipment to prepare NGS libraries, and several high capacity Linux computer workstations for for bioinformatic and other big data analyses. Director: Ando Kiss (kissaj@MiamiOH.edu)

The Ecology Research Center (ERC) provides a venue for educational opportunities for middle, high school, and university students to engage in ecological field research. This 69-hectare field station contains a diversity of field sites, facilities, tools, equipment, and staff assistance to support both aquatic and terrestrial research. The ERC is home to a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and DOE (US Department of Energy) meteorological station. In addition to collecting data on precipitation quality (since 1979), the station also monitors dry deposition quality, lightning frequency, and spatial and temporal fluctuations in solar radiation. Director: Ann Rypstra (rypstral@MiamiOH.edu)

The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Sustainability provides leadership in support of the University's environmental education goals by expanding environmental dimensions in learning, teaching, public service, research, and creative activities. Home to one of the oldest Master of Environmental Science (M. En.) professional degree programs in the United States, the IES philosophy emphasizes both a systematic and interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues as well as the effective communication of knowledge and information. Director: Jonathan Levy (levyj@MiamiOH.edu)

The Geospatial Analysis Center (GAC) serves as a hub of geospatial research and activities in support of education, research, and outreach activities. The Center provides geospatial data and analysis support (including access to licensed geospatial software and GIS data) to individual students, faculty, and university administrators, as well as consultations to external partners. Director: Jessica McCarty (mccartjl@MiamiOH.edu)

Founded at Miami University in 1922, Scripps Gerontology Center is one of the nation's top centers for research in aging and an Ohio Center of Excellence. The Center is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of aging individuals, their families, and communities, and to meet the needs of aging societies. They accomplish this mission through excellence in research, education, and service. Director: Suzanne Kunkel (kunkels@MiamiOH.edu)

The Global Health Research Innovation Center (GHRIC) facilitates interdisciplinary faculty research and alumni engagement, creating opportunities for student research involvement and enriching the teaching in the Global Health minor. Director: Cameron Hay-Rollins (hayrolmc@MiamiOH.edu)

The Doris Bergen Center for Human Development, Learning, and Teaching promotes interdisciplinary research, information dissemination, and in-service training to enhance the education, adjustment, and well-being of at-risk children, youth, and families. Co-directors: Chris Wolfe (wolfecr@MiamiOH.edu) and Kevin Bush (bushkr@MiamiOH.edu)

The Miami University Humanities Center brings together faculty, students, and the public for conversation and debate about culture and human experience. The Center sponsors a range of activities — including public lectures, readings, workshops, think-tanks, and programs of sustained inquiry — to foster creative collaborations across traditional disciplinary boundaries. The Center also supports Miami University's unique commitment to engaged undergraduate learning and research; assists in the recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty; and aims to lead humanities research into the future. It is a resource for diverse institutional groups, providing funding, oversight, logistical support, and means of dissemination in both digital and traditional forms. Director: Tim Melley (melleytd@MiamiOH.edu)

AIMS examines how digital technology is transforming traditional areas of inquiry. AIMS is committed to rich interactive experiences that empower individuals and organizations to experiment, innovate, and collaborate, while preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that interactive media present. Director: Glenn Platt (plattgj@MiamiOH.edu)

In addition to basic visible and fluorescence microscopy equipment, Miami´s Center for Advanced Microscopy and Imaging (CAMI) has SEM, TEM and STEM equipment including x-ray elemental and phase analysis, laser scanning confocal microscopes, and wide-field multimode light microscopes. CAMI also has equipment for producing micrometer dissections and equipment for analyzing and printing high-resolution images. Director: Richard Edelmann (edelmare@MiamiOH.edu)

The Mindfulness and Contemplative Inquiry Center supports contemplative inquiry with particular attention to mindfulness practices. We serve students, faculty, researchers, and the wider community through the creation and development of related interdisciplinary scholarship and research, curricular initiatives, and public events. This collaboration fosters a culture of contemplation and holistic engagement and actively pursues a just, compassionate, and sustainable society.

Museums Miami is a consortium of museums located at Miami University, including the Hefner Museum of Natural History, Limper Geology Museum, McGuffey House and Museum, Miami University Art Museum, Miami University Hamilton Botanical Conservatory, University Libraries Special Collections (including the Myaamia Collection, Oxford College Archives, University Archives, and Western College Memorial Archive), and the Turrell Herbarium. Goals of the center include providing access to physical collections and enhancing interdisciplinary research capabilities infrastructure at Miami University. Director: Bob Wicks (wicksrs@MiamiOH.edu)

The Myaamia Center, a Miami Tribe of Oklahoma initiative located within an academic setting, serves the needs of the Myaamia people, Miami University, and partner communities through research, education, and outreach that promote Myaamia language, culture, knowledge, and values. The center has two main purposes. The first is to conduct in-depth research to assist tribal educational initiatives aimed at the preservation of language and culture. The second is to expose undergraduate and graduate students at Miami University to tribal efforts in language and cultural revitalization. Director: Daryl Baldwin (baldwidw@MiamiOH.edu)

The Center for Neuroscience and Behavior is an interdisciplinary research center with a mission to promote neuroscience research as well as to train graduate and undergraduate students for a career in developmental, cellular, molecular, and/or behavioral neuroscience. Center faculty conduct research in behavioral neuroscience; cellular, molecular, and developmental neurobiology; neuroanatomy; neurophysiology; neurochemistry; neuroendocrinology; neuropharmacology; and neuroimaging. State-of-the-art laboratory facilities are available for faculty and student research. Director: Jennifer Quinn (quinnjj@MiamiOH.edu)

The Havighurst Center for Russian and Post-Soviet Studies was established as a result of a multi-million dollar gift from Walter Havighurst (1901-1994), a longtime Miami University English professor and author. The Center is interdisciplinary, drawing faculty from many departments throughout the University, brought together by their mutually held interests in exploring issues related to Russia and the post-Soviet world. The Havighurst Center is devoted to joint and multidisciplinary research at Miami University by Miami faculty, scholars from Russia, eastern Europe and Eurasia, and from American universities; to service and learning activities for the Miami student community in order to provide a greater understanding of this region; and to programs designed to foster interdisciplinary research on the most important questions relating to the future of this area. Director: Steve Norris (norriss1@MiamiOH.edu)

In existence since 1998, the Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs (CSBMHP) operates in affiliation with the Psychology Clinic in the Department of Psychology. University faculty, graduate students and community partners are involved in research, consultation, and clinical service initiatives. Director Cricket Meehan (meehandc@MiamiOH.edu).

The Sexuality Education Studies Center (SESC) provides critical, service oriented, scholarly programs and research opportunities in the multi-disciplinary field of sexuality education, while supporting sexual health and wellness inquiries from students, faculty, staff, and the community. SESC helps prepare students academically for careers in human services and enhances sexuality understanding for other work where human interaction is priority. A priority of the center is fostering connections with organizations within in our larger communities that value sexual health, wellness, informed decision making, prepared citizens, and equity.

Miami’s Center for Structural Biology and Metabonomics is an Ohio Center of Excellence led by an Ohio Eminent Scholar in Structural Biology and professor of chemistry and biochemistry. Work performed by researchers in Miami’s center, including 20 undergraduates and four doctoral students this semester, involves developing metabolic profiling databases for children’s diseases targeting gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases, cancer and obesity. The Center is a unique State of Ohio resource for protein structure-function studies and offers state-of-the-art capabilities for metabonomics research. Research is done in a collaborative consortium with physicians at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus and Rainbow Babies Hospital in Cleveland. Director: Michael Kennedy (kennedm4@MiamiOH.edu)

This center fosters collaborations among faculty and staff interested in all aspects of metabolic research, including physical activity, exercise, obesity, nutrition, and both basic and applied study in metabolic disease.

With the core principle that children, caregivers, and families of the incarcerated should thrive, this center provides research, resources, and training for those affected by incarceration, and provides education and training to students who want to become knowledgeable about the impact of incarceration on children and families. Core participants come from five departments in three colleges across all campuses, and include two external partners: Butler County Re-Entry Coalition and Butler County Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Director: Yvette Harrs (harrisyr@MiamiOH.edu)

As the increasingly global nature of business, the acceleration of the business cycle, and ever-growing uncertainty in the business operating environment has brought supply chain and operations management to the forefront of business strategic thinking, the Institute for Supply Chain Excellence has partnered with businesses and potential employers, and supported research to expand knowledge in supply chain management. Director: Bryan Ashenbaum (ashenbb@MiamiOH.edu)

The Center for Visual Sciences aims to involve Miami University faculty, students and the community as a whole in its activities including a seminar series and outreach programs to educate the public on the importance of vision research. Other activities include the fostering of collaborative, vision-centered projects between the members of the center, as well as with other faculty. Co-Directors: Katia Del Rio-Tsonis (delriok@MiamiOH.edu) and Michael L. Robinson (robinsm5@MiamiOH.edu)

Housed within the College of Education and Computing, the Miami University Center for Assistive Technologies (MU-CAT) identifies socially relevant problems and develops engineering solutions by engaging students and faculty at Miami University across multiple divisions. MU-CAT conducts externally funded interdisciplinary research projects; engages students in socially relevant, experiential learning; and helps recruit women students to engineering majors. Director: James Chagdes (james.chagdes@MiamiOH.edu)

The vision of the Center for Business Leadership (CBL) is to create generations of leaders focused on long-term organizational value. Its mission is to improve organizational decision making through a stakeholder management framework that integrates integrity, leadership, and transparency. These are accomplished through collaborations between faculty, executives, students, and policy makers across multiple institutions. The CBL emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to making business decisions, and seeks to frame those decisions broadly to understand their implications across stakeholder groups. The focus is on pragmatic approaches to making challenging business decisions by understanding stakeholder expectations., and on developing trusting relationships with stakeholders to create long-term value for organizations. Co-Directors: Brian Ballou (balloubj@MiamiOH.edu) and Dan Heitger (heitgedl@MiamiOH.edu).

Miami University's Center for Chemistry Education (CCE) encompasses a multifaceted collaboration of cross-grade-level and interdisciplinary initiatives that are linked through the centrality of chemistry to the goal of fostering quality hands-on, minds-on science education for all students. CCE activities include credit coursework and other opportunities for educators at all levels; K-12 student programs; undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in chemical education; materials development, including teacher resource materials, program handbooks, and videos; public outreach efforts and networking to foster new and existing partnerships among classroom teachers, university-based science educators, industrial scientists, and professional societies. Director: Susan Hershberger (hershbss@MiamiOH.edu)

Established at Miami University in 1992 and housed in the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship, the Thomas C. Page Center for Entrepreneurial Studies focuses on undergraduate teaching and research, supporting curricular programs for undergraduate students across Miami's campus. Director: Tim Holcomb (holcomtr@MiamiOH.edu)

The John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship in the Farmer School of Business at Miami University, winner of the NASDAQ Center of Entrepreneurial Excellence Award given annually by NASDAQ and the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) to the top entrepreneurship program and institute in the world, supports co-curricular programs in startup and venture capital, social entrepreneurship and impact investing, corporate innovation and technology commercialization, and creativity and entrepreneurial thinking. The Altman Institute is one of just two entrepreneurship institutes/centers invited to join the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) Oases of Excellence Network an initiative that has recognized programs from more than 60 universities across the nation, and is the only entrepreneurship institute/center recognized as an Ohio Center of Excellence. The Altman Institute includes the Center for Social Entrepreneurship, past winner of the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Model Program Award and internationally recognized for its award-winning programs that seek to apply innovative solutions to persistent social problems. Director: Tim Holcomb (holcomtr@MiamiOH.edu)

The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Sustainability provides leadership in support of the University's environmental education goals by expanding environmental dimensions in learning, teaching, public service, research, and creative activities. Home to one of the oldest Master of Environmental Science (M. En.) professional degree programs in the United States, the IES philosophy emphasizes both a systematic and interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues as well as the effective communication of knowledge and information. Director: Jonathan Levy (levyj@MiamiOH.edu)

The Center for Environmental Education (CEE) is a comprehensive natural science and science education resource for diverse audiences. The Center enables learners of all ages — from primary students to undergraduates to retirees — to enhance their understanding of and appreciation for biodiversity, conservation and ecology. CEE is composed of two core components: The Robert A. Hefner Museum of Natural History and the Biosphere Project. Director: Julia Robinson (robins48@MiamiOH.edu)

The Discovery Center for Evaluation, Research, and Professional Learning provides high-quality research, evaluation, assessment, and professional development services to improve teaching and learning and promote equity in opportunity, access, and outcomes for all learners. The Discovery Center serves as Ohio’s only comprehensive center for research, evaluation, and professional learning in science, mathematics, technology, computer science, and engineering education. Director: Sarah Woodruff (sbwoodruff@MiamiOH.edu)

The Geospatial Analysis Center (GAC) serves as a hub of geospatial research and activities in support of education, research, and outreach activities. The Center provides geospatial data and analysis support (including access to licensed geospatial software and GIS data) to individual students,faculty, and university administrators, as well as consultations to external partners. Director: Jessica McCarty (mccartjl@MiamiOH.edu)

Founded at Miami University in 1922, Scripps Gerontology Center is one of the nation's top centers for research in aging and an Ohio Center of Excellence. The Center is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of aging individuals, their families, and communities, and to meet the needs of aging societies. They accomplish this mission through excellence in research, education, and service. Director: Suzanne Kunkel (kunkels@MiamiOH.edu) 

Led by the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship's Center for Social Entrepreneurship, the Leading the Integration of Faith and Entrepreneurship (L.I.F.E.) Research Lab supports research that produces practically-relevant knowledge at the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship. L.I.F.E.'s research, open to all faiths and interfaith examinations, builds on Miami University's leadership position in interdisciplinary practice-based entrepreneurship education and in the areas of social entrepreneurship and impact investing. Increasing interest in this area from schools, such as Princeton University's faith and work initiative, and entrepreneurial organizations, such as OCEAN's faith-based startup accelerator, affirm the early stages of an important movement. Director Tim Holcomb (holcomtr@MiamiOH.edu)

The Mindfulness and Contemplative Inquiry Center supports contemplative inquiry with particular attention to mindfulness practices. It serves students, faculty, researchers, and the wider community through the creation and development of related interdisciplinary scholarship and research, curricular initiatives, and public events. This collaboration fosters a culture of contemplation and holistic engagement and actively pursues a just, compassionate, and sustainable society. Director: Suzanne Klatt (klatts@MiamiOH.edu)

The MML is a leader in the field of molecular microspectroscopy for use in contaminant identification and materials characterization. The facility's staff, who have a wide range of expertise and analytical problem-solving skills, have provided analytical services to over 400 clients. Expert not only in the use of infrared microspectroscopy and Raman microspectroscopy, but also in their development, the MML has been used by many instrument manufacturers as a test and development site. Director: Andre Sommer (sommeraj@MiamiOH.edu)

As a site of the National Writing Project, a network of programs dedicated to the professional development of K-12 writing teachers across the country, Ohio Writing Project provides a full spectrum of student assessment programs and professional development for teachers from all grade levels and subject areas. The cornerstone of OWP is the Workshop on the Teaching of Writing. Designed for K-12 teachers of all subject areas, this workshop examines contemporary approaches to the teaching of writing in an intensive, supportive environment. Ohio Writing Project faculty and staff also provide student assessments and school improvement services to school districts. Director: Beth Rimer (rimerba@MiamiOH.edu)

The Center for Public Management and Regional Affairs engages in applied research, technical assistance services, training and education, and data base development in the areas of public management and capacity building, local government economic development and planning, and public program evaluation and policy research. The Center's primary efforts are directed toward research and assistance to small/non-metropolitan cities, villages, townships, and counties. Director: Mark Morris (Mark.Morris@MiamiOH.edu)

The Havighurst Center for Russian and Post-Soviet Studies was established as a result of a multi-million dollar gift from Walter Havighurst (1901-1994), a longtime Miami University English professor and author. The Center is interdisciplinary, drawing faculty from many departments throughout the University, brought together by their mutually held interests in exploring issues related to Russia and the post-Soviet world. The Havighurst Center is devoted to joint and multidisciplinary research at Miami University by Miami faculty, scholars from Russia, eastern Europe and Eurasia, and from American universities; to service and learning activities for the Miami student community in order to provide a greater understanding of this region; and to programs designed to foster interdisciplinary research on the most important questions relating to the future of this area. Director: Steve Norris (norriss1@MiamiOH.edu)

In existence since 1998, the Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs (CSBMHP) operates in affiliation with the Psychology Clinic in the Department of Psychology. University faculty, graduate students and community partners are involved in research, consultation, and clinical service initiatives. Director Cricket Meehan (meehandc@MiamiOH.edu)

The Sexuality Education Studies Center (SESC) provides critical, service oriented, scholarly programs and research opportunities in the multi-disciplinary field of sexuality education, while supporting sexual health and wellness inquiries from students, faculty, staff, and the community. SESC helps prepare students academically for careers in human services and enhances sexuality understanding for other work where human interaction is priority. A priority of the center is fostering connections with organizations within in our larger communities that value sexual health, wellness, informed decision making, prepared citizens, and equity. Director: Richelle Frabotta (frabotrr@MiamiOH.edu)

Miami University's nationally acclaimed Center for Social Entrepreneurship creates hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates and strives to give students the tools they need to leave their mark on the world. The Center, housed in the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship, defines social entrepreneurship as "innovative solutions to persistent social problems -- particularly to those that are marginalized or poor -- that create social value through sustainable, systemic change. These social problems include a wide range of sectors -- financial, educational, environmental, governmental, nutritional, and many others. The Center challenges students to think about these issues, both in the U.S. and around the world, and provides them with the tools to address them in a meaningful way. Director: Brett Smith (smithbr2@MiamiOH.edu)

The SCC is a group of statisticians who provide consultation on all aspects of data collection, analysis and interpretation. Consulting services are provided free to Miami University students, faculty and staff who have no external support, or on a cost recovery basis to those with externally funded support. External projects are accepted on a case by case basis and will be charged competitive rates. Director: Michael Hughes (hughesmr@MiamiOH.edu)

As the increasingly global nature of business, the acceleration of the business cycle, and ever-growing uncertainty in the business operating environment has brought supply chain and operations management to the forefront of business strategic thinking, the Institute for Supply Chain Excellence has partnered with businesses and potential employers, and supported research to expand knowledge in supply chain management. Director: Bryan Ashenbaum (ashenbb@MiamiOH.edu)

CTE's mission is to embody and promote engagement with scholarly and reflective teaching practices to support the intellectual development of faculty and students as members of a diverse community. CTE supports long-term and short-term communities for faculty growth and inquiry (e.g., FLCs, FLINGs, workshops/seminars). In addition to supporting innovative teaching through projects, grants and awards (e.g., Top 25 project, grants, Knox award), CTE brings to Miami the best of the scholarship of teaching and learning (e.g., Lilly Conference on College Teaching, Journal on Excellence in College Teaching). CTE works with other departments and programs to assess, enhance, and celebrate teaching and learning at Miami. Director: Ellen Yezierski (yeziere@MiamiOH.edu)

The Regional Campus Centers for Teaching and Learning are designed to support faculty as they develop and reflect upon their teaching. These centers typically do this through faculty mentoring, course development support, teaching workshops, and assessments. They can have a profound impact on students because they recognize the multiple ways in which students learn and they provide services and supports that promote learner-centered environments. In addition, faculty members benefit from peer support and opportunities to reflect on their teaching. Director: Linh Dich (dichll@MiamiOH.edu)

The Howe Center for Writing Excellence is a team of faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines who are committed to supporting the learning and teaching of writing at Miami University, and nationwide. Its mission is to ensure that Miami supports its students in developing as effective writers in college, and fully prepares all of its graduates to excel as clear, concise, and persuasive writers in their careers, communities, and personal lives. Relying on research- and evidence-based principles to support writing, the Howe Center provides two key initiatives: support for student writing through peer consultations and a Writing Across the Curriculum program for faculty. Director: Elizabeth Wardle (wardleea@MiamiOH.edu)