UC professor Miller named interim department head

The Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management has a new interim department head. Professor Richard Miller, Ph.D., has accepted the role of interim department head, effective September 1. Miller replaces Steven Buchberger, Ph.D., who recently stepped down from the position after five years.

In the role, Miller will be responsible for the administrative oversight of the department while continuing to advance its academic and research mission.

Miller has a long history with the University of Cincinnati, beginning his career as a professor with UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) over 30 years ago.  Since then, Miller has received numerous research and teaching accolades, including CEAS Distinguished Researcher, CEAS Master Educator and Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Elected Fellow. He has had dozens of publications, peer-reviewed articles, lectures and presentations over his career.

Miller’s research primarily concerns prestressed concrete structures and bridges and the relationship between material damage and structural performance. His work has influenced changes for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials bridge design specifications and the Ohio Department of Transportation specifications, both of which cover the design, evaluation and rehabilitation of highway bridges.

As an administrator, Miller has served on 15 university-level committees, including three faculty senate committees. He has held UC positions such as faculty senate chair and interim vice provost for academic affairs.

“[Miller’s] dedication to this position, the department and college is much appreciated,” says College of Engineering and Applied Science interim dean Paul Orkwis, PhD. “I am confident that he will bring value in this position and contribute to the mission of our college.”

Miller’s acceptance of the interim department head is one of several recent changes in the leadership structure of the department. Associate professor Patrick Fortney, PhD, has moved into Miller’s previous role as program director of civil engineering, and assistant professor Amanda Albrecht, JD, has accepted the position of assistant department head.

These changes all contribute to the department’s dedication to its students and its commitment to collaborative education, research and service.