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Staff spotlight: Debbie Miller

Meet Debbie Miller, Senior Departmental Administrator to the Department of Global Health and Infection and Personal Assistant.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

My goal was to be a primary school teacher but alas this didn’t happen for various reasons, so I went into administration and customer service. I’ve worked at a local car sales and garage company, American Express, British Gas and almost 15 years at Hove Park School and Sixth Form in various roles before this post. I am married with two ‘big’ kids, my son Nic works at the University of Brighton//BSMS too, and daughter Megan works at the University of Sussex!

What brought you to BSMS?

I was looking for a role within a university that would give me new challenges to expand my unused skills!

Could you tell us a little bit more about your role?

I am the Senior Administrator for the Department of Global Health and Infection (GHI) and PA to the Head of Department and Research Lead. I provide day-to-day administrative support for the academic staff and carry out other activities within the department, from planning many local, regional and international conferences and meetings to assisting budgeting for these. I also assist with grant/project applications and HR recruitment processes. I seem to be the go-to person for any practical advice for the GHI team.

What's your favourite memory from your time at BSMS?

Not one: Meeting some amazing people and forging fabulous personal friendships with another PA and researchers. Going to Ethiopia last year to meet an amazing team of researchers from several African countries.

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

What is your biggest professional achievement?

Not biggest but when I worked at the school and sixth for two years I stood in for the examination officer and I successful planned and ran examinations for more than 1,000 students.

Who has inspired you most in life?

My parents – married young and had twins when they were 19 and 20 years old. Ran a successful business, retired, both fought cancer and are still amazing at 79 and 80 years old.

Describe BSMS in three words.

Friendly, collaborative and dynamic.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give your younger self?

Don’t doubt yourself you are so much better than you think you are!