Zachary Miller
About Zachary Miller
Zachary Miller is a Physical Science Technician at the U.S. Geological Survey, specializing in avalanche forecasting and glacier research. He holds a Master's degree in Snow Science from Montana State University and has prior experience in various roles related to outdoor and environmental sciences.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Zachary Miller has been employed at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as a Physical Science Technician since 2017. His role is based in West Glacier, Montana, where he engages in various scientific tasks related to mountain ecosystems. His responsibilities include avalanche forecasting, glacier mass-balance data collection, and the processing of ground penetrating radar data. He also assists with fieldwork and data organization for research focused on mountain climate, glaciers, snow, and avalanches.
Education and Expertise
Zachary Miller holds a Master's degree in Snow Science from Montana State University-Bozeman, which he completed between 2019 and 2021. Prior to this, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he studied from 2007 to 2011. His educational background is complemented by practical experience in snow hydrology, gained during his internship at the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research in 2011.
Background
Zachary Miller's early education includes a High School Diploma from O'Dea High School, where he studied Journalism from 2003 to 2007. He began his professional career as a Resident Advisor at the University of Colorado from 2008 to 2010. He later worked as a Raft Guide at Liquid Descent LLC in Idaho Springs and Kremmling, Colorado, from 2010 to 2014, which provided him with experience in outdoor leadership and physical endurance.
Achievements in Field Work
In his current position at the USGS, Zachary Miller is responsible for maintaining remote alpine weather stations, which are crucial for collecting data on climate conditions in mountainous regions. His work is physically demanding, requiring him to carry large backpacks in challenging terrains. He contributes to the Climate Change in Mountain Ecosystems group of NOROCK, focusing on critical research areas such as avalanche dynamics and glacier behavior.