Northern Illinois University

Department of Biological Sciences

Jon S. Miller - Faculty - Cell Biology

Photo of Jon Miller

Associate Professor

Teacher Certification Coordinator, Biology

Educational Background

Ph.D., Entomology
(Biochemical Physiology)
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, August, 1998.

M.S., Entomology
(Biochemical Physiology)
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, December, 1994.

M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary Science Education),
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, August, 1987.

B.S
., Secondary Science Education University of Nebraska-Lincoln, May, 1976.

Interests / Contact

Research Synopsis

Fields of Interest: Cell physiology; comparative invertebrate immunology, 
Teacher Certification in Biological Sciences. 

Contact:  Jon S. Miller
jsmiller@niu.edu,
(815) 753-7828 
Office: MO 452 Lab: MO 329
Dept. of Biological Sciences Nothern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115

Representative Publications

Refereed Journal Articles:
RESEARCH:

Kwon H.S., Stanley, D.W., and Miller, J.S. (2007) Bacterial Challenge and Eicosanoids Act in Plasmatocyte Spreading. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 124 (3): 285-292.

Stanley, DW and Miller, JS (2006) Eicosanoid Actions in Insect Cellular Immune Functions. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 119: 1-13. (Mini Review)

Miller, JS (2005) Eicosanoids Influence In Vitro Elongation of Plasmatocytes from the Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca sexta. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol. 59:42-51.

TEACHING:

Hubbard, C.J., Miller, J.S., and Olson, D. (2005) An Exciting Way to Teach An Old Topic: The Cadaver-Based Anatomy Short Course for High School Students. The Anatomical Record Part B: The New Anatomist, 284B: 6-11

Naples, V.L. and Miller, J.S. (2004) Making Tracks: The Forensic Analysis of Footprints and Footwear Impressions. The Anatomical Record Part B: The New Anatomist, 279B, 9-15.

Miller, J.S. (2004) Insects in the Classroom: A Study of Animal Behavior. Science Activities, 41, 24-31.

Miller, J.S. Sass, M., Wong, S.L., Nienhuis, J. (2004) Micropipetting: An Important Laboratory Skill for Molecular Biology. American Biology Teacher, 66, 291-296.

Complete list of Publications

Research in my lab focuses on

  • Insect immunity and immunology
  • Eicosanoids - groups of biologically active metabolites of certain C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
  • Nodule formation, beginning with formation of microaggregates, which grow by successive hemocyte adhesions into large nodules.
  • Intial research was conducted on a single insect species, the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta.

Research Synopsis

Photo of caterpillar