Steven L. Miller, Ph.D.

Coral reef ecologist · Researcher · Science communicator

Steven L. Miller has studied coral reefs for more than four decades, with long-term field programs in the Florida Keys, leadership roles in undersea research, and a parallel track in science communication. This page summarizes his experience and links to independent records that support his expertise, authority, and trustworthiness.

For the full publication list and detailed career history, see the site CV.

Current affiliation

Affiliate Faculty, Nova Southeastern University (2024–present)
Senior Research Scientist, Nova Southeastern University (2011–2024)
Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center
8000 N. Ocean Drive, Dania, FL 33004

Experience

Research Professor, University of North Carolina Wilmington (1995–2011)

National Undersea Research Center, UNC Wilmington
Director (1998–2004)
Associate Director / Science Director (1991–1998)

Miller helped develop and operate the Aquarius underwater laboratory and the center’s Florida Keys coral reef science program. Since 1998, he has led or co-led annual rapid assessment and monitoring of coral reef habitats in the Florida Keys. Details are on the Florida Keys Coral Reef Monitoring project page.

Professional recognition and service

  • Board member, Coral Restoration Foundation (2012–2022)
  • Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (1997)
  • Recording Secretary, International Society for Reef Studies (1995–2000)
  • Board member, Ocean Conservancy (2002–2005)
  • Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Technical Advisory Committee (1992–2004)

Science communication

Founding member of the Shifting Baselines Ocean Media Campaign (2003–present), producing short films and public service announcements. See the site’s Shifting Baselines page and shiftingbaselines.org.

Executive producer of the 2006 documentary Flock of Dodos: The Evolution–Intelligent Design Circus (Tribeca Film Festival premiere; Showtime; named a top ten science film of the 2000s by Smithsonian.com). See Flock of Dodos and flockofdodosthemovie.com.

Founder of the Death to Lionfish media campaign (2010–present), including a public service announcement, website, and Facebook community. See Death to Lionfish and Facebook group.

Selected research

Recent and representative work includes:

Swanson DW, SG Smith, TS Viehman, SL Miller, et al. 2026. Efficacy of probability surveys for ESA-listed coral species in southern Florida. Bulletin of Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.5343/bms.2023.0152

Ware M, EN Garfield, K Nedimyer, J Levy, L Kaufman, W Precht, RS Winters, and SL Miller. 2020. Survivorship and growth in staghorn coral outplanting projects in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231817

Ault J, SG Smith, MW Johnson, et al. 2022. Length-based risk analysis of management options for the southern Florida USA multispecies coral reef fish fishery. Fisheries Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2021.106210

Miller SL, WF Precht, LM Rutten, M Chiappone. 2013. Florida Keys population abundance estimates for nine coral species proposed for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. NSU Oceanographic Center Technical Series. NSUWorks record

More publications are listed on Publications, Peer-Reviewed, Florida Keys Quick-Looks, and Reports.

Independent records

Institutional profiles

Government and monitoring records

Professional organizations

Media and public scholarship

Source note: Professional dates and project descriptions on this page are drawn from Steven L. Miller’s CV on this site and cross-checked against institutional and government records where available. Last review: August 25, 2026.

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