Ellen DuShane was born on Earth on October 4, 2352 in New Orleans, LA. She was raised in a house on First @ Chestnut, across the street from the Anne Rice estate. At age five, she was a member of her church's childrens' choir, and had a talent for singing which she developed through the years. At nineteen, she went to audition for a permanent gig at the Jazz City Cafe in her hometown. Sadly, the job went to Louise Mahoney, another contender. Ellen decided to pursue another career for the time being, so she enrolled in Engineering College in San Francisco.

On her 21st birthday, Ellen was visited by Louise, who told her that the gig at the Cafe was a bust. Ellen was a bit relieved. For the next few years, she worked with Engineers at Starfleet Academy and at the Utopia Planitia shipyards. She also secretly honed her favorite craft in various holodeck nightclubs (she was too nervous to perform before a live audience just yet).

In 2378, she was assigned to the Endeavour as part of the ship's Engineering crew support team. She is friendly to everyone she meets, but can be a bit cautious at times about whom she calls a friend. From time to time, Ellen still stings in holographic bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.