### Biography of Mary Miller
#### 1. Early Life
Mary Miller was born on May 3, 1965, in Springfield, Illinois. Growing up in a middle-class family, Mary was the eldest of three children. Her father,
John-Miller, was a school teacher, while her mother,
Susan-Miller, worked as a nurse at a local hospital. From a young age, Mary displayed a keen interest in mathematics and science, often participating in school science fairs and math clubs.
She attended Springfield High School, where she excelled academically and was the captain of the debate team. After graduating high school in 1983, Mary pursued higher education at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1987.
#### 2. Career
Upon completing her degree, Mary began her career as a chemical engineer at a prominent chemical processing company in Chicago. Her exceptional skills and dedication quickly propelled her up the ranks, and by 1995, she was leading a team of engineers.
In 2000, Mary transitioned into the academic sector, taking a position as a professor at Northwestern University. Her research focused on sustainable chemical processes, which garnered attention from both the academic world and the industry. Mary published numerous papers and was invited to speak at international conferences, establishing herself as a leading figure in her field.
In 2010, Mary took on a new challenge as the director of the Green Engineering Program at Northwestern, where she worked on developing new curricula that integrated sustainable practices into engineering education.
#### 3. Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Mary has achieved numerous accolades. She was awarded the National Science Foundation's Career Award in 2002 for her innovative research in chemical engineering. Mary's work significantly contributed to the development of bio-degradable plastics, reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.
In 2015, she received the Distinguished Engineering Educator Award from the American Society for Engineering Education. Her efforts in promoting sustainability in engineering education have inspired a new generation of engineers to incorporate eco-friendly practices in their work.
Mary has also served as a consultant for several international governments on environmental policy, helping to draft legislation that focuses on reducing industrial waste and promoting renewable energy sources.
#### 4. Personal Life
Mary Miller is married to
David-Johnson, a civil engineer whom she met during a conference in 1997. The couple has two children,
Emily-Johnson and
Michael-Johnson. Mary is passionate about the outdoors and spends her free time hiking and bird watching with her family. She also volunteers at a local community center, teaching science to young children.
Mary's life reflects her commitment not only to her professional achievements but also to her family and community. Her work continues to influence the fields of chemical engineering and sustainability, making her a respected and influential figure in her profession.