Dr. Frank J. Millero is a world-renowned marine chemist and professor emeritus at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. He joined the University of Miami in 1966 and completed 49 distinguished years as a full professor before transitioning to emeritus status in 2015. A graduate of The Ohio State University with undergraduate training and holding a doctorate in chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University, Dr. Millero has established himself as one of the most influential figures in modern chemical oceanography. His career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of marine chemical processes and their role in global environmental systems.
Dr. Millero pioneered the application of physical chemistry principles to natural waters, fundamentally shaping the field of chemical oceanography for over four decades. He was among the first scientists to investigate ocean acidification and the chemical changes resulting from global carbon dioxide emissions, establishing critical frameworks for understanding how atmospheric CO2 from fossil fuel burning penetrates the deep oceans. His development of the fundamental equation of state of seawater remains in use today as a cornerstone of oceanographic research. With nearly 600 peer-reviewed publications, 32 book chapters, and five authoritative texts, his contributions have provided the scientific community with essential tools for measuring and predicting ocean chemistry dynamics across the world's marine environments.
As director of the Rosenstiel School's Marine Physical Chemistry Laboratory, Dr. Millero has led extensive research expeditions across the Indian, Pacific, Atlantic, and Southern Oceans, as well as the Arabian Sea, collecting vital data on carbon dioxide distribution throughout ocean depths. His work has been instrumental in quantifying the ocean's role as a carbon sink, helping to refine global climate models with more accurate ocean chemistry parameters. Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Millero has been dedicated to mentoring generations of ocean scientists and continues to maintain an active research laboratory despite his emeritus status. His enduring contributions to marine chemistry have earned him prestigious recognition including the Rosenstiel Award and designation as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in understanding the chemical dynamics of Earth's oceans.
