Mike Edelen

Joseph ​“Mike” Edelen is Senior Director of Infrastructure Services (IS) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory.

Argonne relies on IS to manage the laboratory’s physical plant proactively to enhance research and development effectiveness. IS provides reliable, efficient, and cost-effective support through its three divisions: Facilities (FAC), Nuclear, Waste and Site Services (NWS) and Project Management Organization (PMO). By ensuring that Argonne’s programs meet safety, health, and environmental requirements, FAC, NWS and PMO protect the large government investment that funds our work.

Prior to his role with IS, Mike served as Director of the Advanced Photon Source Engineering Support Division within the Photon Sciences directorate (PSC). Additionally, Mike led the PSC Energy Efficiency Committee, whose mission is to reduce PSC energy use for reinvestment. 

Before that, Mike held other leadership positions at the laboratory. As Division Director of Argonne’s Environment, Safety, and Health (ESH) Division, he oversaw the lab’s Occupational Health and Safety, Radiation Protection, Environmental Protection and Deployed Safety, and Health and Employee Wellness programs. During his tenure as ESH Director, he led the lab’s ESH response to COVID-19, including development of the COVID-19 plan and its different states of readiness. Mike also led a revamp of the lab’s electrical safety program in 2017.

He was recognized by the UChicago Argonne Board of Governors with the 2018 Safety Leadership award. In 2019, Mike completed Argonne’s Strategic Laboratory Leadership Program at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In 2024, Mike participated in the DOE’s Building Executive Leaders of Tomorrow (BELT) program. The program is designed to develop enterprise-minded leaders who are committed to improving the DOE enterprise. He is a member of the Distinguished Scientific Advisory Board for Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.

Before joining Argonne, Mike served as a Navy Submarine Officer on four nuclear-powered submarines and was responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the nuclear reactor, electrical, reactor controls, mechanical, and radioactive systems and for the training of the staff. Mike’s last tour in the Navy was as the Commander, Submarine Squadron Fifteen Engineer overseeing operations and maintenance availabilities for four submarines and two submarine support ships.

Mike earned his master’s degree in engineering from Old Dominion University and Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Memphis. He also completed Naval Nuclear Power School both as an enlisted service member and as an officer, in addition to completing multiple advanced-level courses in the Navy.