Education
2018 / MAY
University of Louisville
PhD Microbiology & Immunology
In the lab of Dr. Yousef Abu Kwaik, focusing on nutritional virulence of Legionella pneumophila.
M.S. Microbiology & Immunology 2014
2012 / MAY
Miami University
B.S Microbiology
Undergraduate research in the lab of Dr. Luis Actis, studying Acinetobacter baumannii
B.A. Spanish
ASHLEY
BEST
Microbiologist
About Me
Currently a Ph.D. student in the Microbiology & Immunology Department at the University of Louisville. My research focus is on the pathogenesis of Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaire's Disease. At UofL I founded a graduate student group focused on outreach and policy, SPOG. I am passionate about communicating the awesome things going on in the world of science and the importance of scientific research.
Science Policy and Outreach Group (SPOG)
Committees
Experiences
Founded a new graduate student organization at the University of Louisville. Our goal is to better connect the community to scientists, in order to educate to adults and children about the importance of science research, the need for science funding, and the career opportunities available. We also wish to create a better local dialogue between elected officials and scientists and promote science-based policy and STEM education. Finally, we work to better prepare graduate students for careers outside of academia and make well-rounded and informed scientists.
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Subcommittee chair on Volunteering and Judging, Louisville Regional Science and Engineering Fair (LRSEF)
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Science Education and Advocacy Committee, Kentucky Academy of Sciences
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Public Engagement Committee, Kentucky Academy of Science
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CRAFT Seminar Series Committee Graduate Student Representative, University of Louisville
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Student representative for the School of Medicine Graduate Council, University of Louisville
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SIGS Ambassador, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of Louisville
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College Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences, Miami University
Leadership & Service
Outreach & Advocacy
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Lead Organizer – March for Science, Louisville
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Science Fair Mentoring
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GEAR UP Pre-Professional Academy
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Louisville Urban League
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UK Health Researchers Youth Academy
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Brain Awareness Week
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Career Fairs & Guest Speakers (Educational Programs)
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High School Visits
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Posters on the Hill, Washington D.C
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Undergraduate Research & Experiential Learning Statehouse Day, Columbus, Ohio
Fellowship
2014 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Recipient
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Inaugural Trainee Spotlight, University of Louisville - Jan 2016
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Graduate Student Spotlight, University of Louisville - Aug 2014
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Excellence in Research, Dept. of M&I, University of Louisville - 2014
Awards
April 16, 2018
March for Science Speaker: Scientists Should Run for Office
"On a dreary Saturday afternoon, the day’s persistent drizzle let up long enough for a group of concerned Louisvillians to assemble in front of Metro Hall and make their voices heard. The second annual Louisville March for Science on April 15 brought together activists, academics and ordinary citizens who want national and local governments to implement science-based policy...
Besides encouraging the public to advocate for science, the march also aims to get scientists directly involved in the process. “We need scientists to communicate better with activists, and to become activists themselves,” said organizer Ashley Best. “When experts and authorities in their fields get involved in advocacy, it makes the message more powerful and more meaningful."
December 12, 2017
Mythbusters' Adam Savage Attends Louisville Net Neutrality Protest
"Organizer Ashley Best moves around the scene in a tie-dye lab coat — “I put this on and pretend to be an extrovert,” she says. Best, who also organizes the March for Science, decided to put today’s protest together when she realized that no one else in the city was demonstrating against the vote. She figured it made more sense to take on the job with her prior experience than to wait for someone else to start from scratch. Savage’s offer to speak at the event, since he was in town to perform the following night, rapidly expanded her modest plans and sent her scrambling to find a PA system."
April 22, 2017
Supporters of science to gather locally for March for Science/People’s Climate March (just not today)
"“The current administration’s proposed budget cuts will cripple research in the United States while gagging governmental organizations will hinder progress, ” said lead march organizer Ashley Best. Without strong support from Congress and the White House, the U.S. will continue to lose its position as a leader in science and technology.” Best is a doctoral student at the University of Louisville."
April 24, 2014
Former Miami Microbiology majors recognized by NSF
Former Miami Microbiology majors recognized by NSF
Two Miami Microbiology alumni pursuing graduate degrees at other institutions received Graduate Research Fellowships from the National Science Foundation. Ashley Richards is currently in graduate study at the University of Louisville, and Mark Noviski is at the University of California, San Francisco.