Ellie is a marine scientist with three years professional experience spanning academic research, consulting and commercialization of marine biotechnology. Her research experience has focused on seaweed physiology, ocean biogeochemistry, seaweed mariculture and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture.

Ellie obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, where she researched the environmental drivers of carbon cycling by seaweed in the coastal and open ocean. Prior to this, Ellie completed a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Studies (1st Class Hons) with a research focus on nitrogen and red seaweeds in the coastal marine environment.