Monica Miller, Ph.D., J.D.

Foundation Professor, Criminal Justice
Monica Miller
she, her, hers

Summary

Monica Miller is a foundation professor with a split appointment between the Department of Sociology and the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Social Psychology. She is also an adjunct faculty member at the Grant Sawyer Center for Justice Studies and an affiliate of the Department of Gender, Race, and Identity.

Miller received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska College of Law and her doctorate in social psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Her interests involve the application of psychological theories and justice principles to laws and policies. Specifically, she is interested in social cognitive biases (i.e., gender and religion-based prejudice) and individual differences in moral and legal decisions (e.g., jury decisions); how the law regulates the family; how community sentiment and science relate to the law; juror responses to hate crimes and conspiracy theories; and the well-being of those who interact with the legal system (including the use of therapy dogs).

Please contact Monica Miller, Ph.D., if you are interested in working in her lab as an undergraduate or graduate student.

Selected publications

(Students in bold)

Books

  • Miller, M. K., Yelderman, L. A., Huss, M. T., & Cantone, J. A. (Eds.) (2024). The Cambridge handbook of legal decision making. Cambridge University Press.
  • Miller, M. K. (2024). The social science of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A call to action for researchers. Oxford University Press.
  • Miller, M. K. (2023). The social science of QAnon: A new social and political phenomenon. Cambridge University Press.
  • Miller, M. K., Blumenthal, J. A., & Chamberlain, J. (Eds.). (2015). Handbook of community sentiment. Springer.
  • Miller, M. K., Chamberlain, J., & Wingrove, T. (Eds.). (2014). Psychology, law, and the wellbeing of children. Oxford University Press.
  • Bornstein, B. H., & Miller, M. K. (2009). God in the courtroom: Religion’s role at trial. Oxford University Press.

Journal articles

Curriculum Vitae

Ph.D. students

Education

  • Ph.D., Social Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Law-Psychology Program, 2004
    • Doctoral dissertation: Use of Religious Appeals in Closing Arguments: Policy Implications for Judges and Policy-makers
  • J.D., Juris Doctorate of Law, University of Nebraska College of Law, 2002
  • M.A., Social Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2002
    • Thesis: Self-Concept Regulating Mechanisms and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Programs
  • B.A. Distinction, Psychology; Minors: Sociology, English, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1998

Professional certifications

  • Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, University of Pittsburgh, 2021
  • Public Policy and Program Evaluation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2004