Javier Espeleta is a versatile professional with vast experience in academic program development, ecology, and environmental sciences. Espeleta's extensive background includes research, teaching, and outreach programs focusing on interdisciplinary work with international organizations, universities, NGOs, and private institutions. With impressive expertise in STEM education and earth systems science, including biogeochemistry, global change ecology, ecosystem monitoring, and conservation, his research explores belowground ecophysiology of crops and natural ecosystems, carbon monitoring, and policy analysis. As an Executive Director at Tropical Science Center and the Director of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest, Espeleta has honed his skills in planning and developing collaborative work in different locations and institutions, including mentoring and career-path advising. Ultimately, he hopes to engage the future generation in solving global change problems by fostering experiential learning, international education, and transdisciplinary and international integration.