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Ashley Conard
Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research, Health Futures Ph.D.:Computer Science and Computational Biology Twitter:@ashleymaeconard
Professional Background
Ashley Conard is a dedicated and accomplished professional in the field of biomedical sciences and computer science. With an extensive academic background that includes both a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master's of Science in Computer Science from the prestigious Brown University, Ashley has positioned herself as a leading expert in her domain. She has a desire to perform research on complex biological problems and has set her sights on addressing significant health challenges such as neurological diseases and cancer.
Over the years, Ashley has amassed a wealth of experience in various significant roles. Currently, she serves as a Senior Researcher at Microsoft, where she applies her technical abilities to innovate and lead projects that intersect both biological research and computational technologies. Her career trajectory has included notable positions such as Biostats Post-doc at Brown University, Data Architect and Computational Biologist at Deloitte, and several roles at Google, where she initially honed her skills in computational biology.
Through her research and collaborations, Ashley has shown a remarkable ability to work alongside people from diverse backgrounds. She believes that such collaborations are vital for developing efficient research processes, especially when addressing emerging bio-threats. Ashley’s passion for advancing scientific inquiry is matched by her commitment to leadership and her keen interest in managing research groups both in the United States and abroad in the future.
Education and Achievements
Ashley’s educational qualifications reflect her dedication to melding biology with technology. After obtaining her BA in Biochemistry and Computer Science from DePauw University, she furthered her studies with advanced degrees at Brown University. The intellectual challenges encountered during her time at Brown deeply enriched Ashley's perspective and expertise in computer science.
In addition to her degrees from Brown, Ashley engaged in crucial research at Université libre de Bruxelles, where she specialized in Machine Learning and Game Theory as part of the Fulbright Research program, showcasing her commitment to interdisciplinary approaches in her studies and research objectives.
Moreover, her early linguistic education in French at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis indicates her understanding of the importance of communication in global research, making her multilingual abilities an asset in any collaborative project.
Notable Professional Contributions
Throughout her career, Ashley has contributed to various significant research initiatives and projects:
- Health Futures Microsoft Research: At Microsoft, she has worked on forward-thinking projects aimed at improving health outcomes through technological integration, exemplifying her commitment to using computer science to solve biological problems.
- Creator of the Google Cambridge Arduino Workshop: Ashley took the initiative to lead workshop sessions at Google, helping other tech enthusiasts learn about Arduino technology. This shows her passion for fostering community and knowledge sharing in the field of technology.
- High-Performance Computing Researcher at MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Her experience at MIT allowed her to delve into computing research that contributes to her robust understanding of data applications in biological contexts.
- Several Internships: Her hands-on experience through various internships showcases her proactive approach to gaining practical insights, including her roles at Vanderbilt University, Eli Lilly and Company, and various labs at DePauw University.
Professional Organizations and Leadership
Ashley has not only excelled in her academic and research pursuits but also held leadership roles in several renowned organizations. As a member of the Board of Directors at the Fulbright Association, she plays a part in promoting educational exchange and fostering international understanding. Furthermore, as a Board of Trustees member at AnitaB.org, Ashley is committed to advancing the recognition of women in technology, which underscores her passion for diversity and inclusion within the STEM fields. Her involvement in these organizations reflects her dedication to making a broader impact within the scientific community.
Future Aspirations
With a clear vision of her career goals, Ashley aims to integrate her technical expertise with her leadership skills to tackle significant biomedical challenges. She aspires to lead research groups that not only advance the boundaries of biological science but also involve collaboration with a diverse set of professionals. Her commitment to addressing complex health issues like neurological diseases and cancer is grounded in her belief in the importance of innovative research practices and technological applications.
Through platforms like GitHub and Twitter, Ashley remains open to connecting with like-minded professionals and continuing to build a network that supports her ambitions. She is eager to share her insights and collaborate with others passionate about scientific exploration.
tags':['Biomedical Sciences','Computer Science','PhD','Brown University','Researcher','Neurological Diseases','Cancer Research','Scientific Collaboration','Bioinformatics Research','Machine Learning','Fulbright Research','Microsoft','Data Architect','Leadership','Diversity in STEM','Google Workshop Creator','MIT Research','Health Technology','Multilingual','Research Groups Management','University Education','Interdisciplinary Research','Board Member AnitaB.org','Board Member Fulbright Association','Public Engagement'],'questions':['How did Ashley Conard develop her passion for biomedical research?','What motivates Ashley to study neurological diseases and cancer?','Can Ashley Conard share her experiences as a Senior Researcher at Microsoft?','What are Ashley Conard's future aspirations in the field of biomedical sciences?','In what ways does Ashley Conard incorporate her multilingual abilities into her research?','How does Ashley Conard approach interdisciplinary collaboration in her research projects?','What role did Ashley Conard's experience at Brown University play in shaping her research career?','How does Ashley Conard stay updated with emerging trends in computational biology?','What does Ashley Conard see as the biggest challenges facing biomedical research today?','How does Ashley Conard plan to utilize her leadership skills in managing future research teams?']}},{
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