Ellen Stofan is the Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian Institute. She oversees its science research centers and the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History and the National Zoo. Her focus is the Smithsonian’s collective scientific initiatives, especially addressing issues such as biodiversity, climate change, astrophysics and the search for life outside Earth’s solar system.
Previously, Stofan was the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (2018–2021), where she was the first woman to hold that position.
Before joining the Smithsonian, Stofan had more than 25 years’ experience in space-related organizations. She was chief scientist at NASA (2013–2016), advising on strategic planning and programs. She helped guide the development of a long-range plan to get humans to Mars and worked on strategies for NASA to support commercial activity in low Earth orbit.
Stofan has published extensively and received many awards and honors, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in geology at the College of William & Mary, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in geological sciences at Brown University. She is an honorary professor at University College London.