Melissa Butler

Melissa Butler is an Instructor in The Global School at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), affiliated with the Integrative and Global Studies Department. She joined WPI full-time in 2021 and was appointed Project Center Director for Greece in 2024, overseeing project development, sponsorship, budgeting, housing, and cultural immersion programs in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Her educational background includes:

• MDiv, Boston University School of Theology, 2014
• MA in Sociology, University of New Hampshire, 2001
• BA in English, University of Connecticut, 1995

Melissa teaches social research methods and advises students conducting on-site research for their Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), a signature project-based learning experience at WPI. Her research interests center on sociology, global education, social inclusion, accessibility, environmental education, and empowering marginalized communities. She emphasizes experiential learning and cultural engagement, guiding students in locations such as Hawaii, Czechia, Albania, Romania, Greece, Switzerland, and Acadia National Park.

Her work aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3).

Melissa has extensive teaching experience, having previously held appointments at the University of Connecticut, Holy Cross, and Clark University, where she spent 15 years teaching sociology, advising students, and directing honors theses. She began her academic career teaching at community colleges after earning her master’s degree.

She is deeply committed to fostering awe and wonder in students, drawing inspiration from Rachel Carson’s belief that awe serves as an antidote to disenchantment. Through immersive, real-world projects, she prepares students to tackle complex social issues with resilience and empathy.

Scientific Awards:

Melissa Butler actively mentors students in international research settings and leads initiatives focused on inclusive and sustainable community development. Her leadership in the Thessaloniki Project Center involves collaboration with non-profit organizations dedicated to disability rights, environmental education, and social equity. While no specific grants are mentioned, her role in sponsorship and project development suggests active engagement in securing and managing external support for student projects.

She is based at the Laurie A. Leshin Global Project Center on the second floor, and her work continues to expand WPI’s global impact through integrative, human-centered education.