Dr. David W. Miller, Ph.D., professor of biology and geology at Clark State Community College, has been recognized as a 2016 Believe in Ohio STEM Exemplar by the Ohio Academy of Science; an honor bestowed on just 81 people in the state.

Miller began teaching General Biology and Geology, Meteorology and Astronomy and Ohio Field Geology courses at Clark State in 1995. This is the first time he has received this distinguished honor.

Miller said as a global society it is important that we strive to increase our earth science literacy and understand that world resources are finite. “I like to include the relevancy of what students are learning in my classroom to what is happening in the world real-time or close to,” he said. “How to apply what they are learning, not just learning information to get an ‘A’ but, to become a better, well-informed citizen.”

Believe in Ohio is a student STEM entrepreneurship program of The Ohio Academy of Science in cooperation with Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio. This program encourages Ohio’s next generation to pursue their futures in Ohio by inventing products and services through the application of science, technology, engineering and math.

“The Believe in Ohio Exemplars have shown success in various STEM professions, and they demonstrate the career possibilities available right here in Ohio,” said Stephen J. McConoughey, Ph.D., CEO of The Ohio Academy of Science and co-director of Believe in Ohio.