He worked as an engineer, including for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Raytheon, Boeing, Hughes Aircraft and Northrop Corporation.
In July 1965, he asked for, and received, permission from E. E. Smith to extend the Lensman series of novels.
After that he produced several science-fiction stories, including "Moon Prospector" (Analog Science Fiction and Fact, 1966), "New Lensman" (serialized in 14 parts in Perry Rhodan #61-74, 1975) and "Triplanetary Agent" (serialized in 6 parts in Perry Rhodan #100-105, 1978).
Ellern served on the board of directors of the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society until January 2009.
This article about an American science fiction writer is a stub.