Naoko Ellis

Dr. Naoko Ellis serves as Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia, where she also holds positions as Associate Director of the Clean Energy Research Centre and Faculty Associate at the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Chemical Engineering from UBC (2003), an M.E.Sc. from Western University (1993), and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Waterloo (1991). Her research expertise spans multiphase reaction engineering, biomass utilization, and CO2 capture, with significant contributions to fluidized bed technology that earned her the AIChE Powder Technology Forum PSRI Lectureship Award in 2023. As co-founder of the Systems Beings Lab and a leader in transdisciplinary climate emergency research, she combines technical expertise with sustainability education initiatives. Her work includes pioneering research in biomass gasification, pyrolysis, and biochar applications, while also advancing environmental literacy in higher education. Beyond her academic duties, she demonstrates personal commitment to sustainability through activities like cycling to work and maintaining worm boxes at home, while balancing her professional achievements with family life as a mother of three daughters.