David W. Ellis, Ph. D.

In August, 1990, Dr. David W. Ellis became President and Director of the Museum of Science, one of the world's largest science and technology centers. Featuring more than 550 interactive exhibitions, a rich array of educational programs, and vibrant ties to the community, the Museum of Science is Boston's most attended, paid cultural attraction, with more than 1.7 million visitors a year.

Prior to joining the Museum of Science, Dr. Ellis was President of Lafayette College, in Easton, Pennsylvania, from 1978 to 1990. From 1962 to 1978, he held a variety of positions at the University of New Hampshire, from Assistant Professor of Chemistry to Vice Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. He holds an A.B. in Chemistry from Haverford College; a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Business.

Dr. Ellis is active in numerous professional associations and organizations. Among them, he serves as Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Directorate on Education and Human Resources of the National Science Foundation; Member of the Board of Directors of ASTC (Association of Science-Technology Centers); Vice Chair of the Board, University of New Hampshire Foundation; and Member of the Board of Overseers Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University. Dr. Ellis also has served on many nonprofit and corporate boards in the past including serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of Elderhostel and Chair of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. He has received several honorary degrees.

Dr. Ellis resides in Cambridge with his wife Marion Schmitt Ellis and has three daughters and three grandchildren.