Ellen cultivated a love of wild spaces and scientific discovery growing up on a small forest acreage in Minnesota. After graduating with a degree in Environmental Studies, she spent the next three years conducting field research across the US and Africa ​​collaborating with multiple government organizations, NGOs, and universities nationally and internationally. Her work primarily focused on population and behavioral ecology studies and instilled a passion for conservation supportive of indigenous stewardship. 

Her love of writing and conservation collided when she joined the Okapi Conservation Project as a Grant and Content Coordinator. In this position, she advocates for support for conservation action and raises awareness of current challenges. Ellen was excited to join MarAlliance and turn her focus to the marine world. As Development Coordinator, she shares MarAlliance’s impactful work with others to support our conservation efforts in collaboration with coastal communities.