Ashley joined the Russell Group in September 2009 as part of the SIO Marine Chemistry Curricular Group, after graduating from the University of San Diego with a B.A in Biochemistry and Biology.  Her research included a collaboration at California Institute of Technology, measuring organic functional groups of secondary organic aerosols generated in laboratory smog chambers. Her research included participating in the CAL-NEX study at California Institute of Technology in May 2010. She will also studyed biogenic aerosols during the HUMPPA Campaign at the SMEAR II research site in Hyytiala, Finland during July 2010.