Ashley Douthitt
Biography
What is your favorite word? What do you like about it?
One of my favorite words would have to be serendipity (def – the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way). I can be quite the romantic and dreamer sometimes so knowing that something delightful could happen when you least expect it is comforting.
What is on your bookshelf?
I’d be lying if I didn’t say there was a thin layer of dust on my bookshelf right now. I have never been a huge “just because” reader as I would much prefer to spend my free time exploring new things outside in the fresh air.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
The majority of the new people I meet are surprised to learn that I have spent a huge portion of my life riding off-road motorcycles and various other off-road vehicles. Despite my very feminine appearance, I am definitely not afraid to throw my boots on and get down and dirty.
What degrees do you hold and from what institutions?
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from California State University, Chico
What excites you about joining Texas A&M School of Medicine for your PhD studies?
One of the many things that drew me to the School of Medicine at Texas A&M is the program’s collaborative nature. I look forward to expanding both my professional and personal networks while working alongside such an interdisciplinary group of faculty and students.
If you could meet any scientist throughout history, who would you want to meet and why?
I would love the opportunity to sit down with Rosalind Franklin. There’s no denying the amazing work and contributions she made throughout her scientific career. However, at the time of her research she was often overlooked and discredited due to her female presence in a strictly male dominant field. I’d love to discuss how she remained so devoted and persistent to her research in the face of so many discriminations.
Tell us something you are passionate about apart from research.
I have a huge passion for living a healthy and active lifestyle. Working out is way more than maintaining a “fit body,” it is just as much of a mental release. Fitness and exercise help me to start my day knowing I’ve done something good solely for myself, which in turn boosts my self-confidence knowing that I am fully capable of going the extra mile to achieve my goals in the gym as well as in my everyday life.