“This NSF position provides an opportunity to work on issues of importance to the national chemistry community,” Ellis says. “My principal goals will be to enhance support for basic research and to promote interdisciplinary research opportunities and the integration of research and education.” As head of one of the five divisions that make up the Math and Physical Sciences Directorate at NSF, Ellis will oversee a key element of the federal agency’s infrastructure in support of basic science, especially in the area of chemistry and its subdisciplines. Ellis has also been an energetic and innovative leader in the area of science education. In addition to administrative and professional roles in support of improving science education, he is known for his creativity in quickly turning cutting-edge science into superbly documented kits. For example, in 1987 when the first low-temperature superconductors were developed, Ellis assembled a low-cost kit that enabled thousands of school children to witness first-hand the phenomenon of levitating magnets. He recently was among those named as recipients of NSF Director’s Awards for Distinguished Teaching Scholars.