March Spotlight: Michael Miles, Environmental Health and Safety

How long have you served at VT in your current role?

 I started March 25, 2022, just under a year. I’ve worked in biosafety since 2011.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love being a cheerleader for science. I know that some folks see my position as adversarial, but I’d like to get our researchers to work as quickly, and safely, as possible.

What is your hometown?

Born in DC, lived in MD, IA, NE, NY, and IL. But right now, my hometown is Christiansburg, VA.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

We are new to this part of the country, and we have a lot of the NRV to explore.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Super human communication skills! In my role, it is important to convey the “why” to people that are naturally inquisitive and skeptical. Communication skills are a lifelong practice for me.