A scholar of Chicana/o literature, American literature, and ethnic studies, Amanda Ellis completed her PhD in English in 2016. Her dissertation, "Detrás de Cada Letra: Trauma and Healing in Contemporary Chicana/o Literature," was directed by Prof. José Aranda.

After graduation, Amanda went on to a postdoctoral position at the University of Houston; she will be beginning a tenure-track position there in Fall 2017.