Dr. Ellen Stofan is the Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian Institution, where for over 175 years scientists have pursued and shared knowledge worldwide. While the Smithsonian is renowned for its museums, it also powers a global scientific research, outreach, and education infrastructure. Its world-class researchers collaborate across disciplines to explore questions as vast as the origins of the cosmos and as intricate as the resilience of ecosystems—with discoveries that often lead directly to solutions for people and our planet. 

In this role, Stofan oversees the Smithsonian’s science research centers as well as the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. Her focus includes advancing the Institution’s “Our Shared Future: Life on a Sustainable Planet” initiative and Smithsonian research focused on unlocking the mysteries of the universe from black holes to life beyond Earth. 

Previously, Stofan was the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (2018–2021), where she became the first woman to hold that position. Under her leadership, the museum launched its seven-year renovation of its flagship building in Washington, D.C. and hosted the landmark 50th anniversary celebration of the Apollo 11 moon landing in July 2019. 

Before joining the Smithsonian, Stofan brought more than 25 years of experience in space-related organizations and a distinguished research background in planetary geology. She served as NASA’s chief scientist (2013–2016), advising Administrator Charles Bolden on strategic planning and major programs, including long-range human exploration of Mars and strategies to support commercial activity in low Earth orbit. 

Stofan earned her bachelor’s degree in geology from the College of William & Mary and her master’s and doctoral degrees in geological sciences from Brown University. She began her career at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as deputy project scientist for the Magellan Mission to Venus, later serving as JPL’s chief scientist for the New Millennium Program. She has also held senior research roles at Proxemy Research and continues as an honorary professor at University College London. 

Her research has focused on the geology of Venus, Mars, Saturn’s moon Titan, and Earth. She is widely published and the recipient of numerous awards, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and was recognized by CNN as one of its “Extraordinary People of 2014.” She is co-author of Planetology: Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System and Next Earth: What Our World Can Teach Us About Other Planets, both published by National Geographic. 

Stofan serves on the National Geographic Society’s Board of Trustees and the Presidential Committee on the National Medal of Science.