by Rich Stratton, Assistant Director of Public Relations
Dr. Joseph Miller, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Cedarville University, will be presented the 2025 Aerospace and Defense Award by the Dayton Business Journal. The award will be presented on April 17 during a luncheon at NCR Country Club in Kettering, Ohio.
The award honors individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and influence in the aerospace and defense sectors, spanning government, commercial and educational arenas. Miller’s distinguished career in aerospace engineering, particularly his work with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and his current faculty role at Cedarville, has earned him widespread recognition in the aerospace and defense sectors. Cedarville’s education partnership agreement with the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) played a significant role in the nomination.
“It’s a tremendous honor, and I’m incredibly humbled to be included alongside distinguished individuals in the aerospace and defense industry,” Miller said. “I never expected to receive such recognition. To be nominated is a testament to the amazing colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work with at AFRL and the support I’ve received from Cedarville University.”
Miller earned his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Cedarville University in 2006 and began working with AFRL. He went on to earn his doctoral degree from Iowa State University in 2012. His doctoral research focused on understanding, diagnosing and controlling the chaotic conditions in afterburning jet engines.
For nearly a decade, Miller worked in various capacities at AFRL, making significant contributions to combustion and optical measurement systems. His work ranged from investigating rocket combustion to advancing gas turbine engines and developing new methods for diagnosing their performance. Miller was deeply involved in systems engineering, leading a team of scientists and engineers in developing integrated systems to meet critical defense needs.
Miller’s shift to higher education came after years of work in the aerospace engineering industry, where he was most recently chief engineer of a major research and development program. From these experiences, Miller realized the potential impact he could have on the next generation by educating future aerospace professionals. He joined Cedarville’s full-time faculty in 2025 after serving as an adjunct professor and AFRL campus liaison for several years.
“I always knew that Cedarville University was unique,” said Miller. “I felt called to return and be part of preparing the next generation of Christ-centered engineers who will not only excel in their technical skills but also approach their work through a biblical worldview.”
Miller’s work at Cedarville University has been influential in shaping the school’s increasing presence in the aerospace sector. In the past decade, Cedarville graduates have secured positions with some of the most prestigious aerospace companies in the country, including GE Aerospace, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The university has cultivated strong partnerships with local industry leaders and government agencies, creating pathways for students to gain practical experience while still in school.
In 2024, Cedarville University formalized a strategic partnership with the Air Force Materiel Command Engineering Directorate, making it one of only two universities in the United States to currently have such an agreement, the other being Purdue University in Indiana. Cedarville’s partnership with AFMC establishes a collaboration to help students gain valuable hands-on experience and access to cutting-edge technologies in aerospace engineering while supporting future workforce development goals. Miller played a significant role in the formation of this partnership, leveraging his connections at AFRL to bridge the gap between Cedarville and government agencies.
Miller emphasized the award is a reflection of the collective efforts of Cedarville University’s faculty, students, administration and alumni. He believes the recognition will further elevate the university’s role in regional and national aerospace and defense industries.
“We have exceptional graduates who are making a real impact on the world. This award gives us a better platform to showcase the incredible work being done by Cedarville alumni and faculty. Ultimately, it’s about glorifying God’s name through our work,” Miller said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Miller remains committed to shaping the future of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Cedarville University. His focus is on fostering a new generation of engineers who think with a systems mindset, able to tackle complex, interdisciplinary challenges with confidence and integrity. He hopes that his students will go on to lead in the aerospace industry, making decisions that will not only advance technology but, most importantly, honor God.
“Engineering is about more than just the technology; it’s about the people who design, build and use those systems,” Miller said. “My goal is to develop exceptional engineers who think about the big picture, who can integrate different components to create systems that work together for a greater purpose and consider the impact of those systems on the people around them. If we can do that, then I have no doubt our graduates will continue to shape the aerospace industry for God’s glory.”
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
