Ellen Becker, PhD, RRT-NPS, RPFT, AE-C, FAARC, is a professor in the Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences. Her research interests span the education topics of respiratory care professionalism and disease management. Her dissertation addressed the use of distance learning for respiratory therapists interested in pursuing baccalaureate degrees after entry into the respiratory care profession. Her work since then has focused on interdisciplinary education and topics related to respiratory therapists advancing their education. Becker has expanded her research into patient education and addressing the best ways to educate both in community and health care settings. Clinically, she works in the pulmonary function laboratory and facilitates the review of patient education resources. She teaches courses related to pulmonary diseases, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, education and research. Further, she mentors students in the PhD in health sciences program and has a conjoint appointment with the College of Nursing.

Her research interests span the education topics of respiratory care professionalism and disease management.