Originally from West Linn, Oregon, Ashley’s journey as a student at Chapman University was a blend of scientific curiosity and a desire to help people from all walks of life. 

Ashley enjoyed science classes throughout her childhood, but her specific interest in pharmacy was sparked during an organic chemistry class in high school. Her teacher connected their class discussion about molecules to the creation of life-changing medicine, which influenced Ashley to consider degrees that would advance her in a pharmaceutical career. Ashley enrolled in Chapman University, and within 5 years, she has gone from being a high school graduate to earning her Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences in May 2025.

This accelerated degree was made possible by one of several Chapman University 4+1 programs, which allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in just under five years.

In her third year as an undergraduate, Ashley was provided the opportunity to join as a researcher in Dr. Sherif Elshahawi’s lab, where she moved beyond theory and into the actual application of her studies under the mentorship of an established, NIH-grant-funded scientist. 

“I am so thankful that I was able to do research so early on because it reaffirmed my love for the field,” she reflects, noting that her time in the lab became more than a passive endeavor and became a defining part of her Chapman experience. “I take a lot of pride in my thesis research,” she shares. “I have worked with the same enzymes since I started in the Elshahawi lab, and I feel like it is all coming full circle to be working on a publication I have spent my Chapman career working on.”

The growth of being challenged by the lab work was central to Ashley’s decision to pursue her MSPS with the 4+1 program. She learned to embrace failures as part of the scientific process, to dedicate herself to her projects, and to present her findings with confidence. “It teaches us how to fail. It teaches us dedication and to advocate for a project that no one cares about more than us. It teaches problem-solving, how to scientifically write, and how to present research. It teaches you to fall in love with science and the field that you are about to enter.

But Ashley’s learning wasn’t limited to the lab and the classroom. Alongside her studies and contributions to Elshahawi’s lab, Ashley supported children with disabilities as a paraeducator instructional assistant. As part of the curricula for her minor, Disability Studies, she observed elementary classrooms and was moved by how impactful paraprofessionals were in the intellectual development of children. “Since then I have gotten a job subbing for the district and I love how I am able to give the kids a loving and supportive environment, even for a few hours.”

Her work both in Elshahawi’s lab and with children who have disabilities has influenced how she envisions her future. “Working with different walks of life definitely shifted my perspective of some of the populations that medication and pharmaceutical sciences can serve. I want a career that can combine my love of pharmaceutical sciences with my love of working with children with disabilities.”

After five years at Chapman University, Ashley is getting ready to graduate with two degrees and a sense of purpose. Ashley has had academic and social experiences that have combined into both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. “There’s not one favorite moment, but all the firsts stand out. The first time I spent a day in the lab, my first publication, my first presentation. There is not one favorite memory for me because every little moment made up my Chapman experience. It’s why I get to leave Chapman University thankful for the foundation I have now.”