Dr. Warren “Pete” Miller was appointed to professor of practice with the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M University. Miller served as the assistant secretary of energy for nuclear energy in 2009 under the Obama Administration where he oversaw the country’s research, development and advancement of nuclear energy. Miller has over 27 years of experience working with Los Alamos National Laboratory and is also responsible for the creation of the Center for Nuclear Security Science and Policy Initiatives (NSSPI) at Texas A&M.
Q: You served as the assistant secretary of energy for nuclear energy under the Obama administration. What was that like?
A: It’s kind of a funny story — I wasn’t the first choice for the position. I actually knew Steven Chu, the first secretary of energy under President Obama, through the National Academy of Engineering. When he was assembling his team, he called me to ask who I thought should be the next assistant secretary for nuclear energy, so I gave him the name of someone I imagined was well-suited to the role. It must not have worked out because eventually Chu called me again and instead asked if I would fill the position. After a bit of haggling, I finally agreed.
As assistant secretary for nuclear energy, my primary responsibilities were to promote research and development and to help develop nuclear energy technologies before they were mature enough to be introduced to industry. I oversaw and defended the budget before the United States Congress and tracked our successes and failures.
Q: Did you ever meet former President Barack Obama?
A: I did. I never worked with him personally, but I shook hands with him at an event celebrating nuclear energy accomplishments. It wasn’t just me either — there were a lot of us there shaking his hand. When I called my son to tell him who I had just met, my son told me that Barack Obama went home and told Michelle that he would never wash his hands again — because he met me. Ha!
Q: How did you find your way to Texas A&M and what is it that you do here?
A: Well, I had just retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory where I served as deputy laboratory director, and I was living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System called to tell me that I had been nominated for the A&M System chancellor’s position. My first thought was, “I don’t even know much about Texas A&M, how was I nominated?” As it turns out, an old friend of mine had nominated me. I didn’t end up becoming the chancellor, but I was so impressed with Texas A&M that I still wanted to remain affiliated with the university. I talked with the dean of engineering at the time about how I could best contribute to the university. That’s how the Center for Nuclear Security Science and Policy Initiatives (NSSPI) was born. I wanted to create a program for nuclear security where we could research problems related to safeguarding nuclear materials and the reduction of nuclear threats. So, I worked closely with former Texas A&M professor Bill Charlton and others to propose NSSPI. We also included the Bush School of Government and Public Serve to address policy issues related to nuclear security.
Q: You were appointed to a professor of practice position due to your industry experience. Do you teach?
A: I have a quarter time, nine-month appointment. During the academic year I give guest lectures in NUEN 101 and I also help with professional development and strategic planning throughout the department.
Q: What are your plans for after retirement?
A: I’m already retired. Being retired simply means that you have enough income to do what you want to do. I am now free to do what I want to do, which is this. I’ve always enjoyed Texas A&M and the mission-oriented, can-do attitude we have. I think it’s what makes us exceptional, and it’s something I’m glad to be a part of.