PHOTO: Evelyn Miralles using an HTC Vive virtual reality headset in the Virtual Reality Lab, the Official Astronaut Training Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo courtesy of Evelyn Miralles. — Evelyn Miralles using an HTC Vive virtual reality headset in the Virtual Reality Lab, the Official Astronaut Training Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo courtesy of Evelyn Miralles.

Virtual reality innovator and distinguished alumna steps into new UHCL leadership position

By Miles Shellshear, Editor-in-Chief Last updated Jul 22, 2019 693 0

Evelyn Miralles stepped into the position of Associate Vice President for Strategic Information Initiatives and Technology at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) on May 1, 2019. Miralles was named one of CNET’s Top 20 Influential Hispanics in tech in 2015 and 2016. After also being placed on BBC’s top 100 Women in the World, Miralles was recognized in 2016 as a distinguished UHCL alumna.

“In her new role, Ms. Miralles will serve as chief strategist for the engagement of educational programs and external partners,” said President Ira K. Blake in a May 1 press release. “She will identify high-value technologies that support state-of-the-art teaching/learning models, as well as provide leadership and vision in the integrative area of science, innovation and technology.”

After starting a degree at Lamar University in Computer Graphics, Miralles moved to the Houston area and obtained her Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer and Information Sciences in 1992.

“Before I graduated, I was doing some work with some people at NASA, some research projects and that led me to go to the professional development open house at UHCL and I got an interview at NASA,” Miralles said. “So I started working there in 1992, and I worked there for about 27 years, and I resigned two months ago to come work at UHCL.”

PHOTO: Evelyn Miralles with United States Astronaut Victor Glover, who is assigned to travel to space in a Space Commercial Vehicle called the “Boeing’s Starliner.” The vehicle returns the ability for humans to launch into space from US soil. Photo courtesy of Evelyn Miralles. — Evelyn Miralles with United States Astronaut Victor Glover, who is assigned to travel to space in a Space Commercial Vehicle called the “Boeing’s Starliner.” The vehicle returns the ability for humans to launch into space from US soil. Photo courtesy of Evelyn Miralles.

Then, in 2012, she earned a Masters of Business Administration in Management of Technologies. She has previously worked as a software engineer developing virtual reality simulations used to train NASA astronauts and comes to UHCL hoping to implement a new vision for UHCL and work to ensure student success.

With the position of Associate Vice President for Strategic Information Initiatives and Technology being new to UHCL, Miralles addresses the impact her position will have at UHCL.

“I think that the major impact for this position will be to provide new initiatives that will advance and promote the university’s mission for the 21st century as a transformational educational institution and leader of the community, which I am a part of so I understand very well,” Miralles said. “Also to increase our strategic partnerships and increase those commercial entities and companies in the collaboration we have to advance and improve opportunities for students in a more meaningful way. I would like for all students to have the skills and ability to find a job in this changing environment.”

As she joins the university shortly after the opening of the new Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, STEM building and soon its first residence hall, Miralles said the current period of growth will be beneficial to the future of the institution.

“It’s a great time to join,” Miralles said. “With all this new administration comes different backgrounds. It brings different perspectives that will allow us to look at the challenges – and solutions – differently. It’s actually a great time to join and I am honored and happy to have the opportunity.”

In her free time, Miralles enjoys traveling, biking, swimming and being outdoors. She also enjoys watercolor painting and writing. When painting, she likes to capture landscapes and any subjects which catch her attention. While writing, she enjoys expounding on her visions for the future based on her experiences in technology.

Amid her transition to the UHCL community, Miralles offers some advice for students.

“Always be curious, never stop learning new skills,” Miralles said. “Set goals and work consistently to obtain them. Also, take a good class in personal financial planning before they graduate.”