In Memoriam: E. Ann Ellis

It is with sadness we announce that E. Ann Ellis, an MSA member for many years, passed away on 29 October 2016. Ann was known by all for her vast knowledge of microscopy, especially biological specimen preparation and her expertise in the chemistry and formulation of embedding resins, much of which was published in peer-reviewed journals. She was a charter member of the MSA Technologists' Forum (1982), served in several capacities on the Tech Forum board, and was an organizer/chair of a number of Tech Forum-sponsored scientific sessions as well as an Invited Speaker at the Annual Meeting and Microscopy & Microanalysis over the years. Ann was also a member and former Chair of the MSA Certification Committee, and past member of the MSA Nominating and Fellowship Committees. She was a member and officer of the Southeastern Microscopy Society (SEMS) and the Texas Microscopy Society (TMS). Ann held positions at the University of Florida, San Joaquin Delta College and Texas A&M University prior to her retirement in 2013.

More than anything, Ann was always willing to share her knowledge with others, and was a teacher and mentor to students and early-career microscopists. She was the Microscopy 101 Editor of Microscopy Today, which gave her an additional platform to share microscopy knowledge. Ann was recognized by MSA with the Professional Technical Staff Award in 2004, the Hildegard H. Crowley Outstanding Technologist Award in the Biological Sciences in 2010, and was elected as a Fellow of the Microscopy Society of America in 2015. The citation on her Fellowship certificate reads, "For an outstanding career of selfless dedication to the field of microscopy in research, applications and educational outreach. Ann Ellis personifies excellence and professionalism."

Ann’s obituary can be found at E. Ann Ellis obituary.

We extend our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends. She will be greatly missed.