Dr. Claire M. Saundry has served as the Director of International and Academic Affairs since May 2007. Prior to that, beginning in November 1994, she served as the Chief of International Affairs. Dr. Saundry is responsible for managing the international and academic portfolios at NIST, including implementation of the NIST International Strategy, managing the NIST Foreign Guest Researcher and Foreign Visitor Programs, managing the NIST Postdoctoral Research programs and academic outreach activities, developing and implementing NIST international and academic policies, providing liaison with foreign and U.S. government representatives, universities and local public school systems.

Prior to her appointment in OIAA/NIST, Dr. Saundry served as a Program Officer in the International Coordination and Liaison Branch of the Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health from 1992-1994. In this capacity, Dr. Saundry was responsible for providing liaison between NIH scientists and their counterparts oversees, facilitating development of international research programs and providing liaison with other US Government and non-governmental organizations for NIH programs with Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

From September 1989 through January 1992, Dr. Saundry served as a Physical Science Administrative Officer in the United States Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of Cooperative Science and Technology Programs.

Dr. Saundry received her Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Virginia, Chemistry Department in 1989. Her research focused on the mechanism of aluminum ion-induced neurotoxicity. She received her Bachelor of Science from Stonehill College in May 1984 Magna Cum Laude in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. In 1989, Dr. Saundry was awarded a Science Engineering and Diplomacy Fellowship from the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS). This fellowship placed her in the State Department on a one year appointment and introduced her to the world of science and technology policy.