Jia Mi, a 4th year Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical Engineering, was elected vice-chair of the International Network on Offshore Renewable Energy (INORE), which aims to help support and empower students and early-career professionals in offshore renewable energy fields through networking and professional events. INORE currently has over 1,200 members from more than 75 countries and is the largest young professional society in marine renewable energy fields all over the world.

Mi is the first student from Virginia Tech to take the role of vice-chair in this world-renowned young professional society, which also reflects Virginia Tech's contribution to sustainable energy initiatives such as the Blue Economy. In the past years, Mi has worked extensively in this field while empowering other young professionals. 

Mi also serves on the board of the United States National Committee (USNC) Young and Emerging Professionals (YEP) Committee.  This USNC-YEP committee meets throughout the year to facilitate and coordinate opportunities for individuals with an interest in participating in standardization and conformity assessment activities for electro-techologies.

Mi was also recently named to the inaugural Board of Directors of the University Marine Energy Research Community (UMERC) as the only student representative, which aims to foster collaboration within the U.S. marine energy research community and amplify the impacts of foundational research.