Dr. Ellis Ingram

Dr. Ellis Ingram, a retired pathologist at MU Health Care affectionately known as “Poppi,” has been nurturing a passion for science in children for more than 30 years. 

When his children were preteens, Ellis wanted to encourage and equip them and their friends to excel. That’s when CALEB — The Science Club was born. Over the years, CALEB grew from a handful of kids to dozens of eager learners. After Granny’s House opened in 2001, Ellis moved CALEB under the banner of Granny’s House and collaborated with the MU School of Medicine and the Sinclair School of Nursing to ensure that CALEB participants had hands-on experiences as they learned world class, 21st century science lessons from physicians, nurses, award-winning researchers, and medical students each month. 

Ellis is most proud of being able use the experiences that enabled him to graduate from the University of Michigan medical school and lead MU Health Care’s cytology department to mentor and encourage hundreds of children who’ve crossed the threshold at Granny’s House. 

“I love using my education and training, along with my background, to unearth the unique brilliance of every single child we encounter,” Ellis says.

Ellis’ faith in Jesus Christ motivates him to serve and to consider the needs of others as more important than his own. “My joy comes from seeing others succeed,” he says. He credits his wife, Pamela Ingram, for the success of Granny’s House and is grateful for members of area churches, the volunteers at the School of Service Learning, and MU’s School of Medicine.

CALEB participants now meet every Wednesday afternoon at Granny’s House and on the first Saturday of the month at the MU School of Medicine or MU School of Nursing. CALEB is open to any student aged 10 or above. 

Many of the students who have participated in CALEB are now pursuing medical careers.