AC Dual Credit Student Publishes Dermatology Study in National Journal

Amarillo College dual credit student Giovanna Miller, a senior at Amarillo High School, has achieved an extraordinary academic milestone: her research paper, “A Novel Case of Plasmacytosis in a Patient of Native American Ancestry,” has been accepted for publication in JAAD Case Reports, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

“This publication speaks volumes about Giovanna’s discipline, intellectual curiosity, and ability to work at a professional scientific level,” said Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe, AC Distinguished Research Scientist and professor of chemistry. “It is extremely rare for a dual credit high school student to publish in a national medical journal.”

Giovanna’s work began when her father, Dr. Scott Miller, a dermatologist at High Plains Dermatology and clinical assistant professor at Texas Tech, encountered an unusual patient case. The patient presented with a rare skin disorder—cutaneous plasmacytosis—in a demographic almost never represented in existing research. Recognizing its potential scientific significance, Dr. Miller mentioned at home that he wished he had a student who could write the case study. Giovanna volunteered.

“She asked if she could be the student to write it,” Dr. Miller said. “I thought about it and decided there was no reason she couldn’t. She was already taking classes for credit through Amarillo College, so surely she was capable. It became not only an important contribution to the medical literature, but a wonderful father-daughter project.”

Under the guidance of Dr. Miller and with support from dermatopathologist Dr. Tyler Enos, Giovanna conducted an extensive literature review, analyzed clinical images and pathology reports, and began writing the manuscript.

She said the editing stage became her favorite part. 

“Everything was already put together—it was just refining it and making it better,” she said. “Seeing it all come together was really great.”

Still, researching such a rare condition was challenging. 

“Because it's so rare, there’s very little information out there,” Giovanna said. “I had to look at pathology reports, images, and the few case studies I could find. It was frustrating at times.”

Dr. Miller said he watched his daughter’s confidence grow. 

“In the beginning, she was nervous she’d volunteered for more than she could handle,” he said. “But as her research confirmed how unusual this case was, she realized she was capable. She stopped saying ‘if I can’ and started saying ‘if I decide to.’”

Giovanna described seeing her name on the accepted article as “really exciting” and said the experience has boosted her confidence across every area of school.

Ranasinghe said Giovanna’s accomplishment highlights the value of early access to college-level coursework. 

“The dual credit program immerses students in true college-level expectations, including critical thinking,” Ranasinghe said. “That foundation allowed Giovanna to transition seamlessly into serious research.”

Giovanna said the experience strengthened her interest in science and opened potential paths in psychology, pediatrics, or medicine.

“I feel more confident in whatever direction I choose,” she said. “It made me realize I can do more than I thought.”

Giovanna’s younger brother, Gabriel Miller, is also participating in advanced research while taking AC dual credit courses—working with Dr. Van Herd, AC assistant professor of engineering, on nuclear engineering research at just 16.

Ranasinghe believes their accomplishments illustrate what is possible when high school students are given meaningful academic opportunities. 

“When students are trusted with real work,” Ranasinghe said, “they often exceed even our highest expectations.”