Reginald W. Miller, DVM, DACLAM
Dean for Research Operations and Infrastructure
Associate Professor, Center for Comparative Medicine and Surgery
Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
“I love infrastructure. I like to make sure things work,” says Reginald W. Miller, DVM, DACLAM, one of nine accomplished physicians and researchers who received the 2019 Jacobi Medallion—one of Mount Sinai’s highest awards.
“The history of Mount Sinai resonates with me on a personal level because I’m an HBCU graduate, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were founded on the principle that it was a need to educate people who have been traditionally marginalized by the larger population. You look at the humble beginnings of Mount Sinai—that’s that same history.”
Dr. Miller has had numerous leadership positions at the School of Medicine and is responsible for the School’s research infrastructure and operations.
“I love what I do. I love science. I love medicine,” he says. “I’m responsible for moving the research operation forward, making sure that we get the best utilization of high-end equipment and benefit the largest number of researchers possible.”
Dr. Miller is also dedicated to making sure that the biomedical research faculty and students reflect the diversity of the nation. He serves as Co-Chair for the Diversity in Biomedical Research Council, and Director of the Friends of Odysseus (FOD) Black and Latino male mentoring program.
“It’s incumbent upon those of us who have had opportunity to reach back and make sure that others have those same opportunities. It’s our responsibility, as stewards of science, to make sure people follow behind us,” he says. “It’s a great honor to realize that people recognize the contributions that I’m making. I’ve been afforded opportunities at Mount Sinai I would not have been afforded other places. And because I have a connection, and I understand the mission of the institution, I absolutely feel that this is the place that I need to be.”
“His passion is limitless. He carries the torch,” says Jonathan A. Cohen, DVM, DACLAM, Associate Professor and Director, Center for Comparative Medicine and Surgery, and Associate Professor, Department of Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “He’s the voice for a lot of underrepresented minorities, just like myself, where he lays the trail and has not been afraid to have the tough conversations to make sure everybody gets a shot, an opportunity to experience excellence at the school.”
