Artist . Musician . Researcher . Changemaker
Exploring the World Through Art, Movement, and Sound.
I am a passionate visual artist, competitive musician, research enthusiast, and co-founder & executive director of UstartTeaching (UST) - a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to bringing quality education to underserved communities.
MEET ELLA
A curious mind, a creative heart.
I am a visual artist, musician, dancer, researcher, and nonprofit leader. I am passionate about exploring the connections between creativity, science, culture, and people. Through my work, I hope to ask questions, learn from different perspectives, and create something meaningful—for myself and for others.
WHAT MOVES ME
My Creative Worlds
Four disciplines. One curious mind, exploring creativity, science, culture, and connection.
Visual Art
Exploring emotions, nature, and the beauty of everyday life through art.
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Music
Performing with passion as a flutist and pianist, and finding harmony in life.
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Research
Exploring the frontiers of science at Yale University and beyond.
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Dance
Empowering young minds through education, music, and opportunities.
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WHERE ART MEETS SCIENCE
Wonder Is The Thread That Connects It All.
I’m drawn to the unseen patterns around us: in a painting, a musical phrase, or a scientific idea. Each discipline offers another way to explore and express what I discover.
CREATING BEYOND MYSELF
Ustart Teaching
In 2019, my twin sister Emma and I volunteered in a rural classroom in China. Sharing art, music, English, and science with students there showed us how much young people have to give. When we couldn’t return during the pandemic, we helped create UstartTeaching in 2020 so more students could share what they know.
Today, UST is a youth-led nonprofit where young people teach, serve, and lead projects shaped by the needs of their own communities.
500+
Volunteers
4,500+
Classes taught
12,500+
People served
RESEARCH ART WORK
Exploring the Next Frontier
In Summer 2025, I joined the Xia Group at Yale University, working on semiconductor physics and experimental techniques. This research deepens my understanding of quantum dynamics while connecting with my broader interest in visual art and the beauty of the unseen world.
A glimpse into my creative journey.
Selected Works
Explore Visual Art →
Quantum Series
2004–Present
Mixed Media
My Home, My Dream
2026
Pencil on Paper
Dawn
2025
Old Camera
Chinese Painting
2025–Present
Ink on Paper
MUSIC
Flute . Piano . Performance
1st Chair — Kent Concert Band Wind Ensemble International Competition Recognition
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DANCE
Movement · Choreography · Expression
1st Chair — Kent Concert Band Wind Ensemble International Competition Recognition
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Recognition
Grateful for the support, encouragement, and opportunities along the way.
Connie Horton Award of Excellence — Best in Show
My Home, My Dream
Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Art Program
A glimpse into my creative journey.
Gold Key — Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Dawn
International exhibitions and Columbia University exhibitions
Still becoming. Still exploring.
MY JOURNEY
2019
Volunteer teaching experience in rural China
At age 10, I traveled to rural China as a volunteer teacher, where I witnessed firsthand the educational challenges faced by children with limited access to resources.
2020
Turning Experience into Action
Inspired by that experience, I co-founded UstartTeaching with my twin sister Emma at age 11, beginning a journey focused on expanding educational opportunities for children around the world.
2023
Joined Kent School
I joined Kent School, where I continued to grow across visual arts, music, dance, writing, leadership, and academic exploration.
2025
Curiosity Meets Research
I joined the Xia Group at Yale University as a research intern, exploring semiconductor physics and experimental techniques while deepening my interest in the connections between science and visual art.
Stories told through color, movement, and memory.
VISUAL STORIES
Thank you for taking the time to explore my work.
Four disciplines. One curious mind, exploring creativity, science, culture, and connection.