My research focuses on understanding the social-psychological aspects of stakeholder positions on natural resources management and policy and human-wildlife interactions. To this end, analyzing values, beliefs, attitudes and behavioral intentions of stakeholders allows for understanding preferences, support, and actions associated with existing or potential management programs and issues. I conduct scientific survey research in two main contexts: 1) policies and regulatory issues affecting consumptive users of wildlife resources and 2) environmental and natural resource problems and issues facing a wide range of stakeholders. These studies are applied research intend to inform management agencies and organizations.

Current projects include: 

• Human dimensions surrounding chronic wasting disease in Illinois
• Effects of waterfowl harvest accuracy on Adaptive Harvest Management
• Preferences of consumptive wildlife stakeholders regarding regulatory changes

Research interests:

• Human Dimensions of Wildlife and Natural Resources
• Natural Resources Policy and Management
• Human-Wildlife Interactions

Illinois Experts Profile

Illini Chapter, The Wildlife Society - Faculty Advisor

The Wildlife Society

Wetlands International

Human Dimensions Research Lab

 Vaske, J.J. and C.A. Miller. 2019. Deer hunters’ disease risk sensitivity of time. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 25 (3):217-230.

Landon, A.C., C.A. Miller, and B.D. Williams. 2019. Assessing Illinois residents’ support for natural recolonization of apex predators. Environmental Management, 62: 260-269.

Landon, A.C., M.H. Jacobs, C.A. Miller, J.J. Vaske, and B.S. Williams, 2019. Cognitive and affective predictors of Illinois residents’ perceived risks from Gray Wolves. Society and Natural Resources, DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2019.1664680.

Zhang, X. and C.A. Miller. 2019. Associations between socioeconomic status and hunting license sales among census tracts in Cook County, Illinois. Human Dimensions of Wildlife,  24 (2):148-158.

Vaske, J.J., C.A. Miller, T.T. Toombs, L.A. Schweizer, and K.A. Powlen. 2018. Farmers’ value orientations, property rights and responsibilities, and willingness to Adopt Leopold’s Land Ethic. Society and Natural Resources, 3 (10): 1118-1131.

Vaske, J.J., C.A. Miller, A. Ashbrook, and M.D. Needham. 2018. Proximity to chronic wasting disease, perceived risk, and social trust in the managing agency. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 23 (2): 115-128.