JAMI VALENTINE MILLER, PH.D.
Motivational Speaker |Â STEM Advocate
ABOUT DR. JAMI
From a young age, I’ve always had a sense of motivation and passion driving me forward in science. To learn more about me, keep exploring my site or reach out directly.
Dr. Jami Valentine Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Florida A & M University and a master’s degree in physics from Brown University. In 2006 Jami became the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in physics from the Johns Hopkins University where she studied the physics behind magneto–electronic materials and devices. From there she joined the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) where she examines patent applications for semiconductor devices.
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Dr. Jami engages in many outreach and mentoring activities, including speaking to young people, future scientists and engineers and those interested in non-academic physics careers, especially in intellectual property.
Dr. Miller is the founder of African American Women in Physics (AAWIP), Inc., an organization dedicated to honoring the women who paved the way, inspiring future physicists and connecting with people interested in promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM​​
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A native Philadelphian, attended Dobbins Vo-Tech High School, where she was recruited to FAMU by the Dr. Leonard Johnson and was offered the Life–Gets–Better full ride scholarship by President Humphries. She graduated cum laude in 1996.
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Dr. Jami is honored to have been a featured physicist in “Cool Careers in Physics” published by Sally Ride Science as well as "Find Your Path: Unconventional Lessons from 36 Leading Scientists and Engineers." published by MIT Press.
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She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a board member for the Orlando math Circle. She and her husband, both Life-Gets-Better scholars, are the proud parents of one future Rattler​
STEM AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The heart of this talk is an explanation of the different types of intellectual property and where someone with a STEM degree fits in.
RESILIENCE DURING DIFFICULT TIMES
Covid has changed a lot for each of us.  This talk give strategies to prioritize individual well being and strengthen resilience.
MY CAREER TRAJECTORY AND PERSEVERANCE IN STEM
This talk retraces the ups and downs of my educational and career path, while encouraging the audience to persevere through any challenges they may face. This talk is readily tailored to suit audiences of any age range.
African American Women in Physics, Inc.
Dr. Jami is the founder and CEO of AAWIP, Inc. The goal of AAWIP is to honor and inspire African American women in physics and astronomy: past, present and future. We seek to connect with allies interested in promoting diversity in physics and astronomy and other STEM fields.
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Please visit www.aawip.com to learn more.
EDUCATION
1999-2007
PH.D. JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
First African American woman to earn Ph.D. in Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University.
1996-1999
SC.M. BROWN UNIVERSITY
First African American woman to earn a
degree in Physics at Brown University.
1992-1996
BS FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
First alumna from Florida A&M University
to continue on to earn Ph.D. in Physics.
RECENT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
2025 Johns Hopkins University, Keynote speaker, Commencement Doctoral Hooding Ceremony.
2024 Rollins College, Upward Bound, Guest Speaker Series.
2023 Amplify Optics Immersion Program, Tacoma WA, “Resilience in Physics”.
2023 Florida Math Circle Network Conference, Virtual, “Building Resilience in Math Students”.
2023 APS Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP), University of Central Florida, “Resilience in Physics”.
2021 National Science Teachers Associations STEM21, Keynote speaker “Building Resilience in Science Students”.
2021 Women Empowered in STEM (WeSTEM) Conference, Keynote speaker “Resilience: Succeeding through challenging times”.
2021 Aspen Center for Physics Winter Conference, Presenter: “Observation and Detection of African American Women in Physics (AAWIP)”.
HONORS AND AWARDS
2023 Fellow, American Physical Society
2022 Johns Hopkins University, Distinguished Alumna Award
2019 Sigma Pi Sigma, National Physics Honor Society, Honorary Member
2017 United States Dept. of Commerce Bronze Medal for Superior Federal Service
2016 Florida A&M University, Distinguished Alumni Award
VOLUNTEER WORK
Founder, CEO since 2005
AFRICAN AMERICANWOMEN IN PHYSICS
The mission of AAWIP is to honor the women who paved the way, to inspire future physicists, and to connect with allies interested in promoting diversity in Physics and other STEM fields.
Board Member since 2019
ORLANDO MATH CIRCLE
The Orlando Math Circle creates opportunities for all children across Central Florida to develop a passion for mathematics.OMC achieves its mission by providing affordable or free math enrichment programs for 3rd–12th grade students of diverse backgrounds
Advisory Board 2023-2026
Johns Hopkins University
Advisory Board for the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences
Alumni Advisory Council for the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Regional Parliamentarian, Florida region, 2020-2025
FAMU NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
This is a brief and concise description of your volunteer experience. Use this space to describe the philanthropic activity, the population it supported, as well as your specific role, impact and contribution.
Research Foundation Advisory Board 2024-2026
Florida A&M University
Member of the Advisory Board for the Research Foundation for Florida A&M University.
Committee on Minorities, 2020-2024
AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY
The Committee on Minorities addresses the production, retention, and career development of minority physicists and gathers and maintains data on minorities in physics in support of these objectives.
"Don't be afraid to be the first, but don't be the last!"
--Jami Valentine Miller, Ph.D.
LET’S CONNECT
