Kasey C Miller

Dr. Kasey Miller is an assistant professor in the Congdon School at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. A retired Marine Major, Dr. Miller was a Military Advisor and Communications Information Systems Officer. He holds a B.S. in Electronic Systems Technologies from Southern Illinois University, an M.S. in Computer Science, and a Ph.D. in Information Sciences from the Naval Postgraduate School. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Naval War College and holds certifications including CISSP, PMP, CKM, and CQRM.

Dr. Miller has extensive teaching and leadership experience, including serving in the Computer Science Department at the U.S. Naval Academy. He was a cybersecurity Program Manager and federal employee with the Marine Corps and Navy, as well as a Senior PM for the Cyber Security & Information Systems Information Analysis Center (CSIAC). His civilian roles included managing projects for the II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), focusing on HIPAA compliance and information assurance, and improving information exchange as the II MEF IMO Policy, Process, and Automation Manager.

Dr. Miller contributed to the Aviation Lifecycle Management (AvPLM) Program at NAVAIR as a PM, core team leader, and engineer. A published author and guest speaker, he has shared insights in prominent military and civilian journals and conferences. Throughout his career, Dr. Miller has demonstrated leadership and expertise in diverse technical and operational environments.

Education

PhD in Information Sciences, Naval Postgraduate School
M.S. in Computer Science, Naval Postgraduate School
B.S. in Electronic Systems Technologies, Southern Illinois University

Specialization in Teaching

Dr. Kasey C. Miller specializes in teaching cybersecurity with a focus on cloud infrastructure, network security, and cybersecurity ethics and compliance. His instructional approach integrates technical rigor with real-world application, drawing on his extensive professional background in military and federal cybersecurity operations. Dr. Miller teaches courses such as Cloud Security, Network Security, and Cybersecurity Ethics, where he emphasizes the protection of data, systems, and workloads across complex environments. His curriculum is aligned with industry standards and frameworks, ensuring students gain practical, workforce-ready skills relevant to modern cybersecurity challenges.

A defining aspect of Dr. Miller’s teaching specialization is his use of experiential and applied learning. He incorporates hands-on labs, simulations, case studies, and group-based projects that mirror real-world cyber scenarios, including cloud misconfigurations, incident response, and network defense strategies. Students engage with tools and environments such as virtual machines, cloud platforms, and security analysis software to build both technical competency and critical thinking skills. His assignments often require students to analyze cyber incidents through key frameworks, considering factors such as the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) triad, threat actors, and risk mitigation strategies.

Dr. Miller also integrates emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, into his teaching to prepare students for the evolving cybersecurity landscape. He emphasizes ethical considerations, cognitive biases in decision-making, and the responsible use of AI tools in cybersecurity practice. Through mentorship, structured feedback, and career-oriented guidance, he fosters student development beyond the classroom. His teaching ultimately aims to produce adaptable, ethically grounded cybersecurity professionals capable of addressing complex, real-world threats.

Research Interests

Dr. Kasey C. Miller’s research interests center on the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and critical infrastructure resilience, with a particular emphasis on maritime and cloud-based environments. A central component of his work is his involvement with the Maritime Cybersecurity Applied Research, Technology, and Education Center (MCARTEC) hub, which serves as a collaborative platform for advancing applied cybersecurity research, workforce development, and industry engagement. Through MCARTEC, Dr. Miller focuses on developing practical, scalable solutions that align academic research with real-world maritime operational needs, particularly in support of evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Dr. Miller is particularly interested in how emerging technologies, such as generative AI, influence cybersecurity decision-making, risk management, and organizational behavior. His research examines how human cognitive biases—including automation bias, anchoring, and confirmation bias—interact with AI-enabled systems, potentially shaping both the effectiveness and risk profile of cybersecurity operations. This work contributes to the development of more resilient decision support systems designed to enhance, rather than degrade, human judgment in complex, high-stakes environments.

In parallel, Dr. Miller’s research explores cybersecurity challenges within the Maritime Transportation System (MTS), viewing ports as complex socio-technical ecosystems where information technology (IT), operational technology (OT), and supply chain systems converge. He investigates threat pathways, governance structures, and cyber situational awareness capabilities, including AI-assisted telemetry exchange and cybersecurity state monitoring systems. Additionally, Dr. Miller is committed to advancing cybersecurity education through experiential learning and the integration of AI tools, preparing students to address emerging threats with both technical expertise and ethical awareness.

Professional Service

Dr. Kasey C. Miller’s professional service reflects a strong commitment to advancing the cybersecurity field through academic leadership, industry collaboration, and community engagement. He actively contributes to curriculum development and program improvement initiatives that align with national standards, including efforts supporting accreditation and continuous improvement within cybersecurity and information technology programs. His service on departmental and college committees, such as IT curriculum and accreditation-related efforts, directly supports institutional goals and ensures that academic offerings remain relevant to evolving workforce and industry demands.
Beyond the university, Dr. Miller engages with the broader cybersecurity community through conference participation, peer review, and scholarly collaboration. He serves as a reviewer and track contributor for academic conferences and journals, supporting the dissemination of high-quality research in areas such as cyber warfare, maritime cybersecurity, and AI in cybersecurity. His involvement with professional and research communities, including initiatives tied to the Maritime Cybersecurity Applied Research, Technology, and Education Center (MCARTEC), strengthens partnerships between academia, government, and industry stakeholders. These collaborations help translate research into practice and inform policy and operational improvements.

Dr. Miller also demonstrates a strong commitment to service through outreach and community-focused initiatives. He participates in events such as cybersecurity competitions, career mentoring, and regional technology engagements that support student development and workforce pipeline growth. Additionally, his volunteer efforts—including community service and disaster relief—reflect a broader dedication to public service. Collectively, his professional service enhances the visibility of cybersecurity programs, supports student success, and advances the discipline at both the institutional and national levels.

Community Engagement

Dr. Kasey C. Miller’s community engagement efforts reflect a commitment to bridging academia, industry, and the broader public to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and workforce development. He actively participates in regional and national initiatives that connect students, professionals, and organizations, including involvement in events such as the Wilmington Information Technology eXchange (WITX) and cybersecurity competitions like the NC Minuteman Cyber Cup. Through these engagements, Dr. Miller helps foster relationships between the university and industry partners, creating opportunities for students to apply their skills in real-world contexts while building professional networks.

A key component of his community engagement is outreach through the Maritime Cybersecurity Applied Research, Technology, and Education Center (MCARTEC) hub. This platform enables collaboration with government agencies, port authorities, and private sector stakeholders to address cybersecurity challenges in the Maritime Transportation System. By contributing to applied research and facilitating dialogue among interdisciplinary partners, Dr. Miller supports efforts to enhance regional and national resilience in critical infrastructure. These activities also provide students with exposure to applied research and community-centered problem solving.

Dr. Miller further demonstrates his commitment through mentorship, volunteerism, and service-oriented activities. He engages in career guidance, supports student participation in internships and competitions, and contributes to community service initiatives, including support for local organizations and disaster relief efforts in North Carolina. His engagement efforts emphasize education, service, and collaboration, aligning with the university’s mission while promoting cybersecurity awareness and preparedness across diverse communities

Honors & Awards

Dr. Kasey C. Miller’s honors and awards reflect his sustained contributions to cybersecurity education, research, and professional practice. His academic and professional achievements are grounded in a distinguished career that spans military service, federal leadership, and higher education. As a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major, Dr. Miller received multiple commendations recognizing his leadership in communications and information systems, as well as his contributions to operational readiness and information assurance. These honors underscore a career-long commitment to excellence, discipline, and mission-focused performance.

In academia, Dr. Miller has been recognized for his impact in teaching, research, and service. His work in cybersecurity education, particularly in cloud security and network defense, has contributed to student success, curriculum innovation, and program development aligned with national standards. He has also received recognition for his research initiatives, including grant-supported projects focused on AI-driven cybersecurity resilience and maritime cybersecurity. These efforts highlight his ability to secure funding, lead interdisciplinary teams, and address complex, real-world challenges in cybersecurity.

Dr. Miller’s professional certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Project Management Professional (PMP), further demonstrate his commitment to maintaining high standards of expertise and continuous professional development. His participation in national conferences, research collaborations, and cybersecurity initiatives has earned him recognition among peers and stakeholders in both academic and practitioner communities. Collectively, his honors and awards reflect a career dedicated to advancing cybersecurity knowledge, education, and practice across multiple domains.