Ashley Miller Recognized for Her Efforts to Boost University Research

Ashley Miller, a senior contract and grant specialist in the College of Arts and Sciences at Mississippi State University, is being recognized by a global society for her contributions to the advancement of research with a ‘Future of the Field’ award from the Society of Research Administrators International. She will be honored at the society’s annual meeting this fall in Seattle.

The Society of Research Administrators International provides education, professional development, and up-to-date comprehensive information about research management. The society has members in more than 40 countries. The Future of the Field awards recognize members who demonstrate leadership among their peers and institutions in innovative ways.

Miller has worked in research administration since 2016 at the University of West Georgia before coming to Mississippi State in 2018. Prior to her work in research administration, she researched education policy at the University of Memphis and intimate partner violence at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis.

“It has been important to me for my whole career to build community,” said Miller. “We all benefit when we know more about each other’s work and can share our ideas and knowledge. To do so, I think it’s necessary to recognize people as people first, rather than just applicants, administrators, and so on. For example, when someone wants to apply for a grant, they are usually doing something they are passionate about, and I love hearing researchers share their interests. To me, this award recognizes that fostering connections rather than working in silos is key to success.”

Miller earned a bachelor’s degree from Christian Brothers University in Memphis and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.