Biomechanics of Human Locomotion.  Why do humans walk and run the way they do?  How are the actions of the neural, muscular, and skeletal systems coordinated to successfully achieve these gaits?  Can the frequency of running injuries be reduced by the translation of biomechanical research?

Optimization and Optimal Control.  On what criteria do humans optimize their movement performances?  How do constraints and system dynamics influence performance?  How should so-called optimal solutions to human movement problems be determined?  Can patterns of human muscle activity be predicted by optimization criteria?

Computer Modeling and Simulation.  Can computer simulations be used to estimate variables that are difficult to measure on live humans?  Are these estimates accurate?  What can simulations using simple and complex models tell us that in vivo experiments cannot?

Doctor of Philosophy - Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, 2006-present

    Advisor: Graham Caldwell

    Focus: modeling and simulation of human movement

    Dissertation: Optimal control of human running

Master of Science - Exercise and Sport Science, Iowa State University, 2004-2006

    Advisor: Jason Gillette

    Focus: musculoskeletal biomechanics

    Thesis: Lower extremity mechanics of iliotibial band syndrome during an exhaustive run

Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, 2003-2005

    Advisor: Francine Battaglia

    Focus: computational fluid dynamics

    Thesis: A numerical analysis of hemodynamics for arterial medical procedures

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, 1999-2003

Miller RH, Caldwell GE, Van Emmerik REA, Umberger BR, and Hamill J (2009).  Ground reaction forces and lower extremity kinematics when running with suppressed arm swing.  ASME Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, in press.

Miller RH and Hamill J (2009).  Computer simulation of the effects of shoe cushioning on internal and external loading during running impacts.  Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, 12(4), 481-490. [Link]

Miller RH, Gillette JC, Derrick TR, and Caldwell GE (2009).  Muscle forces during running predicted by gradient-based and random search static optimization algorithms.  Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, 12(2), 217-225. [Link]

Hamill J, Miller RH, Noehren B, and Davis IS (2008).  A prospective study of iliotibial band strain in runners.  Clinical Biomechanics, 23(8), 1018-1025. [Link]

Miller RH, Meardon SA, Derrick TR, and Gillette JC (2008).  Continuous relative phase variability during an exhaustive run in runners with a history of iliotibial band syndrome.  Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 24(3), 262-270. [Link]

Miller RH, Lowry JL, Meardon SA, and Gillette JC (2007).  Lower extremity mechanics of iliotibial band syndrome during an exhaustive run.  Gait and Posture, 26(3), 407-413. [Link]