Ella graduated from the Systems Engineering MEng course at Loughborough University in 2005. During her time as an undergraduate, she gained a Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS) through a series of placements with BAE Systems. Prior to graduation, Ella also completed a placement with the AAIB (Air Accident Investigation Branch). She began work as a Research Associate with the Department of Human Sciences at Loughborough University in 2005, working on the Knowledge and Information Management – through life Grand Challenge. Alongside this post, she also completed her PhD, investigating the configuration of decision-making systems. In 2008, Ella joined the Electronic and Electrical Engineering Department as a lecturer in Systems Engineering. Ella is a lecturer in Systems Engineering. Her research focuses on organisational systems, decision-making, accident investigation and the role of humans in technical systems in general. She also has pedagogical research interests in the methods of teaching and training systems engineering and associated disciplines.