Project Dragonfly’s new leader to build on successful foundation
Katie Feilen aims to continue innovation with ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú graduate program
Project Dragonfly’s new leader to build on successful foundation
From its inception in 1994 as a magazine aimed at children’s science investigations and discoveries to its current role for community-engaged graduate education, Project Dragonfly has long been a leader in conservation.
Katie Feilen is well aware of the rich history of Project Dragonfly, not only at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University but around the globe, as she begins her new role as the program’s director.
“I am stepping into a 30-year legacy,” said Feilen, who has taught at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú since 2017. “My goal is to really continue the stability and the foundation for the program’s next 30 years.”
Feilen replaces Chris and Lynne Born Myers, Project Dragonfly’s co-founders who .
Beginning its life as a print publication before transitioning into DragonflyTV on PBS, Project Dragonfly eventually expanded partnerships with zoos and botanical gardens worldwide. By doing so, Project Dragonfly grew into ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s largest graduate degree program with offerings that include its Global Field Program, Earth Expeditions, and the Advanced Inquiry Program.
“Project Dragonfly has always been a program of innovation,” Feilen said. “It’s important to think about what the next new thing is and how we can use these foundational principles of inquiry, voice, and participation to make social and ecological change.”
Feilen recently returned from teaching a field course in Brazil as part of the Earth Expeditions program. Some of her favorite memories from the last seven years at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú come from her work in the field.
As large and different as the world is, there are also commonalities, she said. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú students have built strong connections with Project Dragonfly’s international partners, despite language and cultural barriers.
“They work together, laughing and smiling as they achieve a similar goal,” Feilen said. “In the absence of vocal language, they share the voice of humanity.
“When we look at the success and impact of our program, one of our favorite things is watching people get reconnected with the awe and wonder of the world. There is nothing like watching someone experience that for the first moment.”
One of the cornerstones of Project Dragonfly is developing new and creative ways to change the status quo. Feilen praised the leadership of Chris and Lynne Born Myers, as well as the dedication of the program’s staff and that of its many partner organizations, 10 of which are based in the United States as well as the 16 abroad.
“This is an amazing program of innovators and changemakers,” Feilen said. “The success of Project Dragonfly connects back to the key core staff who make this program operate, the people who have put on so many hats to problem solve — whether it’s when somebody is sick in the field or publishing magazines or recruiting and establishing new national partners. We take cutting-edge ideas and transform them into active solutions.
“I want to make sure Project Dragonfly has the support it deserves as students make their dreams become reality.”