Ellen Ryder (MR)

"The doctor told me to appreciate the time I have left. There's no cure, Alec. It's terminal."

- Ellen Ryder to her husband, Alec Ryder

Dr. Ellen Ryder (née Harlow) was the wife of Alec Ryder and the mother of twins Scott and Sara. A pioneer in human biotic implant design, Ellen was responsible for the creation of SAM (Simulated Adaptive Matrix) and its neural implants for the Pathfinder team.

Biography
Born as Ellen Harlow, she was a pioneering designer of biotic implants. In the 2150s, she was a leading biomedical and cybernetic researcher at UFRJ in Rio de Janeiro. When human biotics began to emerge as a scientific field, Ellen found possible applications for her work in neuro-integrated wetware. Her early designs for biotic implants formed the framework for later L2 and L3 models.

At some point in her life, Ellen met Alec Ryder when he was posted to Rio for ICT ("N7") training before the First Contact War. She eventually joined Alec on the Citadel when he was posted there as military attaché, and gave birth to fraternal twins on the station in 2163.

Unfortunately, element zero―the catalyst for biotic mutations―proved a hazardous material, poorly understood in the early years of human biotics. After repeated accidental exposures, Ellen was diagnosed with a terminal illness known as neuro-degenerative disorder (later known as AEND). Soon, Alec begins developing SAM in a last ditch effort to save her.

Hours away from death, she says goodbye to Scott and Sara before having a last conversation with Alec, telling him to be a good father. Alec then puts her into stasis aboard Ark Hyperion under the false alias of Elizabeth Reilly. Unfortunately, the twins cannot wake her from stasis lest she dies from the disease. Regardless, Scott and Sara are hopeful they can find a cure.

Video Games

 * Mass Effect: Andromeda (Mentioned only)