Prof. Nellis specializes in global macroeconomics and business environment. He teaches in Purdue's IMM Global EMBA program.

In 2014 he served as Pro-Vice Chancellor and Director of Cranfield School of Management in the UK and was formerly Director of Graduate Programmes and Academic Dean. He is a recipient of an Outstanding Professor award in Hungary for his contribution to curriculum development, funded by the TEMPUS Programme of the European Union.

Prof. Nellis has published 18 research and subject-based books and more than 200 academic and practitioner journal articles. His research encompasses analysis of business developments in a changing world in terms of the macroeconomy, the role of government, the impact of technology, societal and demographic trends.