Eleanor “Elly” Vandegrift is the Director of the Global Studies Institute at the University of Oregon in the Division of Global Engagement. She supports faculty and student global research engagement that promotes academic excellence at the University of Oregon and with global partners. As biology faculty, Elly earned multiple teaching awards for leading biology, pedagogy, and interdisciplinary courses focused on improving science literacy. She has worked with local, national, and international STEM education organizations dedicated to supporting faculty professional development and improving student learning. Elly is the author of several articles about STEM education reform and educational development. As GSI Director, she leverages a track record landing and running grants, gifts and contracts; direct work with international donors and funding agencies; as well as curricular, pedagogical and programmatic innovation in global contexts. Elly cotaught the APRU Teaching and Learning in Virtual Environments online series and co-leads the APRU Student Climate Change Simulation. Elly trained as an ecologist at Earlham College and Oregon State University.