James E. Miller
B.S., Computer Science, Virginia Tech, 1997
Induction year: 2023
James E. Miller followed in his grandfather’s footsteps to attend Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering.
“From an early age, I knew I wanted to be an engineer and felt drawn to the school in hopes of making my family proud,” Miller said.
After taking instructor Dwight Barnette’s first-year computer science class, he knew that the computer science department was the right fit.
“If not for him, I likely would not be receiving this award,” Miller said.
He credits the College of Engineering and the Department of Computer Science, in particular, for teaching him how to break down complex tasks and convert them into solvable problems. These skills have benefited Miller throughout his entrepreneurial career.
Miller has been president and CEO of four companies since 2002. Miller first founded a secure communications solutions company, Applied Security, Inc. His second venture, Vulnerability Research Labs, which specialized in developing computer network exploitation capabilities, was formed in 2008. Miller’s third venture was Strategic Resources International, an entity that owns and operates international telecommunications infrastructures. He has successfully sold his first three companies. Currently, he is CEO of Quantum Leap Research LLC, which aims to develop solutions to problems expected to face United States national security in the future.
Miller has stayed connected with the university as an advisory board member for both the College of Engineering and the Department of Computer Science.
Current town:
Waterford, VA
Hometown:
Danville, VA
Professional roles
- CEO, Quantum Leap Research LLC., 2019-present
- CEO, Strategic Resources International, Inc., 2011-2019
- President, Vulnerability Research Labs, LLC., 2009-2011
- President, Applied Security, Inc., 2002-2009
- International Consultant, 1997-2001
- Research Associate, Microsoft Corporation, 1994-1997
Volunteer roles:
- Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
Boards and committees:
- Virginia Tech Department of Computer Science, Advisory Board Member, 2017-2019
- Virginia Tech College of Engineering, Advisory Board Member, 2013-2017
Why did you decide to come to Virginia Tech?
My grandfather, Howard Edward Lordley, attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute in the 1930s as a Corps of Cadets member. He received a B.S. in chemical engineering and an M.S. in chemistry. From an early age, I knew I wanted to be an engineer and felt drawn to the school to make my family proud.
Who influenced you during your career or time at Virginia Tech?
When I enrolled at Virginia Tech, I chose university studies as a major before selecting computer science. Dwight Barnette was teaching first-year computer science classes. He was by far the most important reason that I decided the department was the right home for me. If not for him, I likely would not be receiving this award.
What led you to your chosen profession?
I was fascinated by computers at an early age. Fortunately, I grew up at the exact right time in the 1980s when computers were just becoming affordable. However, to use them you had to first learn some basic programming skills. As a result, programming captured my imagination long before computer gaming became a welcome distraction. When the internet came into existence, I was just entering college. Being able to explore this new global network during its early days proved immensely valuable later in life. The combination of being in the right place, at the right time, while being exposed to amazing technology set me on a path to success.
How have you used your Virginia Tech degree in your career?
Learning how to problem solve has proven to be one of the most useful skills I learned in college. The College of Engineering, and the Department of Computer Science in particular, taught me how to break down complex tasks and convert them into solvable problems. This skill has benefited me countless times throughout my professional career.
Please note: Inductee spotlight is as of the year of their induction.