Grace Ju Miller, PhD, has established herself as a distinguished expert in sustainable agriculture. Since 2023, she has served as the director of ECHO North America Impact Center at ECHO International Inc. An international Christian organization that helps fight world hunger through sustainable agriculture. ECHO’s mission is to reduce hunger and improve lives through agricultural training and networking.
In this role, Dr. Miller leads a diverse team managing a global farm dedicated to sustainable agriculture and food security solutions. She oversees the implementation of innovative agricultural techniques, coordinates educational tours and programs showcasing various agricultural ecosystems, and collaborates with local universities and organizations to enhance community engagement on food security. Additionally, she works with regional impact centers in Thailand, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, and South India to address global hunger challenges.
From 2018 to 2023, Dr. Miller served as the academic dean at the School of Natural and Applied Sciences at Taylor University. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in shaping the academic curriculum and fostering an environment that promoted research and innovation. Her leadership significantly contributed to the school’s mission of providing quality education in natural and applied sciences.
Dr. Miller was also a professor in the department of biology at Indiana Wesleyan University from 2009 to 2023, where her dedication to teaching and research strengthened the department’s reputation. Recognized for her passion for plant biology and sustainable agriculture, she inspired both students and colleagues. Her career in academia began at Gordon College, where she taught from 1991 to 2002. Her commitment to education was acknowledged with the Distinguished Junior Faculty Award during her time there.
Laying a strong academic foundation, Dr. Miller earned a Bachelor of Arts in art and botany from Duke University in 1980, followed by a Master of Science in agronomy-plant physiology from the University of California, Davis in 1984. She further advanced her expertise by earning a PhD in plant physiology from Purdue University in 1990. Additionally, she is actively involved in civic engagement, having served on the board of directors for ECHO Inc., PEER Servants, and The Decade Project.
Reflecting on her path, Dr. Miller’s groundbreaking research on Moringa stands as one of her most significant achievements. Identifying a gap in scientific literature regarding its benefits, she published two book chapters on Moringa and Amaranth, bringing valuable research to the forefront. Her chapter on Moringa is featured in a comprehensive pharmacognosy book discussing various pharmacological biochemicals, while her work on Amaranth is included in Amaranth to Zyhols, highlighting the role of underutilized crops in sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Miller attributes her success to her passion, persistence, goal-orientation, and strong Christian faith. Her motivations also stem from her and her parents’ background. Both were university professors and exceptional educators who left a lasting legacy. During the war in the 1940s, they fled China with nothing and rebuilt their lives in the Philippines, where they raised four daughters. Despite immense challenges, her parents remained committed to serving others and advancing education. Inspired by their resilience and dedication, she strives to improve lives through education and agricultural innovation.
In her personal life, Dr. Miller enjoys cooking, entertaining, painting, hiking, camping, backpacking, kayaking, and spending time with her husband and two children. Looking to the future, she envisions continuing to make a meaningful impact in agriculture and food security by networking with global organizations dedicated to helping those in need. Even as she transitions into retirement, she remains committed to driving positive change in the field. Her favorite aspect of her profession is mentoring. She finds fulfillment in guiding individuals of all ages and backgrounds, walking alongside them through their journeys. By sharing her own experiences, she takes great joy in witnessing their personal and professional growth.