Ashleigh Wright

Program Coordinator

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Dr. Ashleigh R. Wright is the Coordinator of the Science and Engineering of Atomic Structure (SEAS) NSF Research Traineeship in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NC State. She has earned degrees in chemistry from Wofford College (BS), North Carolina A&T State University (MS), and Louisiana State University (PhD). Her passion for STEM education and student mentoring evolved over years of her involvement with peer-teaching, outreach, and various programs focused on encouraging and preparing students, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented groups, to pursue and achieve terminal degrees in science and mathematics. While gaining the technical competency as a chemist, she focused on the journey of the PhD, often reflecting on her personal experiences, upon which she guides students in their academics and careers.

Prior to joining North Carolina State University, Dr. Wright served as the Coordinator of Initiatives and Outreach and Manager of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professors Program, and NSF-funded Scholarships in STEM (S-STEM), Louis Stokes- Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP) and Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) Programs for the Office of Strategic Initiatives at Louisiana State University. She also led efforts on an ACT Prep Academy in collaboration with the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Baton Rouge for Baton Rouge area 10th-12th grade students.

Education

Ph.D. 2013

Chemistry

Louisiana State University

M.S. 2007

Chemistry

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

B.S. 2004

Chemistry

Wofford College

Research Description

Retention, academic success, and personal and professional development of students, particularly underrepresented groups in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM) disciplines