Hello! My name is Ashley. I’m 26 years old and a Ph.D. student at North Dakota State University, where I study plant genetics and breeding. I’m especially interested in how we can use what we learn about plants to help them grow in changing environments.
Before starting my Ph.D., I studied sunflowers and the genes involved in how much nectar their flowers produce. Nectar is food for pollinators, including bees! That research led me to a Fulbright research award in France. Beginning in December, I’ll work with scientists near Toulouse to explore how weather and other environmental conditions affect the nectar and pollen sunflowers make.
I’m excited to share what it’s like to do science in another country, explore France and learn from the people I meet along the way. I can’t wait to hear your questions and learn about your adventures this school year, too!
Want to learn how you could be a Fulbright Scholar like me? The Fulbright Program is the United States government's flagship international exchange program. Fulbrighters foster mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, share knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world. Learn more by visiting https://us.fulbrightonline.org.
