Ellen Fiss Hobart’76

Antioch Class of 1976

Studied Chemistry

Preferred Pronouns are She/Her

Bio- Tell us about your self

Where to start… I spent my pre-Antioch years in a suburb of New York city where I enjoyed riding my bicycle, dancing, and music (I played the flute and sang in the chorus). I was passionate about science but also enjoyed everything else. It was the early 70s and politics and feminism were a way of life. When it was time to go to college, Antioch was my only choice. It was my escape from suburbia and filled with like minded souls. I majored in Chemistry and Music. I met the love of my life and have never looked back. After college I went on to graduate school in Biochemistry in Berkeley California and have lived in the Bay Area since Antioch.

How did Antioch College’s Co-op program prepare you for work life?

Co-ops were instrumental in forming my psyche in many ways. I became a confident person, able to move to new cities and find my way. I viewed the process as an adventure. I also began viewing life in a 3 month mode, finish my commitments and move forward. I spent one co-op in Boston at Mass General Hospital where I worked in the operating rooms. I traveled to Brazil where I worked in the emergency room and clinical lab of a small hospital. I also played in the Brazilian youth orchestra. I worked in a lab at the University of Utah and at Kettering Foundation. My lab and hospital skills prepared me for a career in science. I am sure this also helped me succeed in graduate school. They also gave me the chance to find out what I enjoyed.

How did your Antioch experience prepare you for life?

Antioch taught me to embrace life and cherish my friends wherever they are. Embracing the co-op experience, I have lived and experienced many cities and we (Peter, who also went to Antioch, and I) brought our children up enjoying new friends and new cities. I think it gives us a broader view of the world.

What does our charge to “win a victory for humanity” mean to you?

I have always worked to make the world a better place, both at work and in my personal life. I have tried to contribute to the betterment of humanity. I have been active in the anti-war movement. At work, I have designed tests to make blood transfusions safer and lab diagnosis for infectious diseases more accurate. I also mentor young scientists and share my knowledge and passions. Hopefully we can all make the world a better place for future generations.