Miles is originally from Portland, Oregon, and has been diving along the Oregon coast for over a decade. He is a PADI Scuba Instructor and AAUS Scientific Diver passionate about using diving both to conduct field research and to train others in underwater observation techniques. Miles earned his B.S. in Biology, with a focus on Marine Biology, from Oregon State University in 2024 and is now pursuing his Ph.D. at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.
His research focuses on kelp forest dynamics, particularly the trophic interactions driving transitions between kelp forests and urchin barrens. He is especially interested in the role of sunflower sea stars as key predators influencing urchin populations and ecosystem stability. In his free time, Miles enjoys spearfishing, photographing marine life, and drinking coffee!