The School of Natural Resources and Environment is happy to welcome Ashley Martin! Ashley is the new academic advisor who will help our undergraduate environmental science majors. Karen Bray, the current advisor, will continue serving our interdisciplinary ecology graduate students.
All about Ashley Martin
Hometown:
Tallahassee, Florida
What colleges did you attend and majors?
I received a B.S. in Biological Science (Florida State University) and M.S. in Marine Science (University of Alabama).
What did you do before coming to SNRE?
In my first job after graduate school, I was involved in the study of water quality and phytoplankton community dynamics of stormwater ponds in coastal South Carolina at the Baruch Marine Field Laboratory in Georgetown, SC (University of South Carolina). Then, I was part of a team studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on Gulf of Mexico zooplankton communities in the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences in Baton Rouge, LA (Louisiana State University). During these two positions, I supervised and mentored several undergraduate students and their research projects. While at LSU, I was nominated for “LEAD…Emerge” which is a leadership program for early-career managers. It was through this program that I first became interested in switching to an administrative role while continuing to work with undergraduate students. I finally merged these interests when my family and I relocated to the Gainesville area. For the last 3.5 years, I was an academic assistant in the UF Physics Department. I assisted with their undergraduate program and interacted with students from numerous colleges and majors across campus.
What do you like about being an advisor?
I love it when a student who is struggling or intimidated by a class follows up later to let you know about their success. My advising philosophy is centered around increasing the self-efficacy of undergraduate students. I firmly believe that developing a strong sense of confidence is key to thriving in an academic and professional career.
Best advice you received as an undergrad?
I had the opportunity to work in a research lab as an undergraduate student where I was mentored by one of the graduate students. We had long discussions about science, applying to graduate school, and work-life balance. However, the best piece of advice I received during these chats was simple, “Write everything down!”. I am a prolific note-taker and annotate my notes. It is rare to see me without a pen and notebook.
What are your hobbies?
I love cooking and baking. I especially enjoy making and decorating cakes for special occasions. When I am not baking, I enjoy yoga and riding my bicycle. It is all about balance!
What is your favorite book or a book you’re currently reading?
My favorite book is The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I’m currently reading American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.
Do you have a favorite movie?
I am not a big movie person, but I have a soft spot for Jimmy Stewart movies. I love the movies It’s a Wonderful Life, Vertigo, and Harvey. Recently, my family and I watched the Harry Potter movies together and it was a lot of fun.
What do you like to do for fun outdoors?
One of the things I love most about Gainesville is that it is just a short drive to so many outdoor activities. I enjoy hiking, swimming, and kayaking.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am a dog person! My family has an 11-year-old Boykin Spaniel and a 7-year-old Springer Spaniel. They also enjoy road trips with the family, especially swimming at the beach.
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