Ellen has a PhD in biological sciences and has conducted biological research in several countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. She also has over 30 years of experience in natural history museums, with ten of those years as Executive Director. She was also Professor of Biology at University of Connecticut and University of Oklahoma.

With a background in biodiversity issues and a passion for sustainability, Ellen led the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History team through the LEED-EB certification process. It was the first existing museum building to be registered with USGB. She also served on the Storm Water Management Task Force as well as the Tree Board for the City of Norman, OK.

She chairs the Green Team for the Milwaukee Public Museum and has worked with other museums and non-profits to help them get started in their efforts toward a more sustainable future.