About Me

Profile

About:


Currently I am a graduate student in the Jackson School of Geosciences. I conduct my research at the Bureau of Economic Geology’s Gulf Coast Carbon Center focusing on carbon dioxide sequestration (CCS). I am passionate about geology and am so pleased to have found my calling. With my current research efforts, I feel I am making a positive contribution to the world and environment I sincerely respect and desire to preserve.

Besides my love of rocks, I am passionate about biking and would consider myself a bike advocate and enthusiast. I participate in Austin’s Yellow Bike Project, ride weekly with local groups, commute almost exclusively by bicycle, and spread the biking passion to anyone I come in contact with. I feel cycling has the ability to make the world a better place by decreasing congestion, improving the quality of people’s lives while simultaneously decreasing carbon dioxide emissions. In addition to my advocacy, I have participated in the Mississippi MS 150 benefit ride, raising money and awareness for multiple sclerosis. Through this I have personally seen how charitable bike rides are effective. Other interests of mine are yoga, swimming, hiking, camping, anything that brings me closer to nature, and of course Tabasco on everything.

Feel free to contact me at: enmiller@mail.utexas.edu

Why I Ride

My studies in geology have affected my entire outlook on life. By understanding how everything is connected, I am much more conscious of the impact humans make on Earth. My original efforts to improve the Earth by minimizing my environmental impact have made me aware of our effects on each other. This endeavor to improve the lives of those around me has led me to Texas 4000. The chance to use one’s strengths to help eradicate such a ubiquitous problem in our society is a once in a life time opportunity that I cherish.

I know everyone has been personally affected at some point in their life, either directly or indirectly, by cancer. For me, this experience came at a young age. My grandfather, Papa, aka “Grand Dude”, was the epitome of the perfect grandfather. My brother and I adored him and always looked forward to our visits to Lubbock. He was funny, calm, and made the most mundane activities a riot. In second grade he became ill, and without even understanding the concept of death we were thrust into the awareness that he would not be with us forever. His illness was a sad and protracted process. We watched as he went from a vivacious, active, and healthy person to a weak and feeble bedridden patient. The sicker he became, the more our Dad shared “Papa” stories with us. Even though I was so young when he passed away, I feel a special closeness to him because of these stories. I would give anything to have had him around longer and to have been able to hear these stories from him. He loved Double Mint gum and with out fail always had a pack in his left breast pocket. To this day I can’t smell Double Mint gum without thinking about him. I would ride for him and the moments we shared together, as well as the moments that we will never share.