Background
The eldest of Capt. John’s three children, Ashley also inherited her father’s love for the ocean and nature. From childhood Ashley has been drawn to the water and intrigued by the marine life living in it. Coming from a fishing family, her childhood and teen years were split between life on the Chesapeake Bay and South Florida. She spent many summer days on the beach or on the water helping and learning from her Dad and Pap-Pap but with a different focus. Ashley was more interested in studying the animals than taking them home for dinner! As a high school student, while collecting sea life samples from the marsh for a biology class project, Ashley realized she wanted to pursue a career in marine science.
After high school Ashley attended Florida Atlantic University Honors College where she was awarded an academic scholarship. She graduated at the top of her class spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and received many academic honors including Magna Cum Laude and Top Academic Scholar of her graduating class. As an undergraduate at FAU, Ashley’s field work, lab work and research has ranged from the study and restoration of marine sponges in the FL Keys to behavioral studies of sharks and rays as related to local aquaculture in the Indian River Lagoon.
She is currently teaching and pursuing her Master’s Degree at College of Charleston, SC. Ashley’s enthusiasm and exceptional work ethic make her a valued part of the Reel Candy team. We are pleased that Ashley’s efforts have forged relationship between Reel Candy and local scientists at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, DNR, and other conservation groups for collaboration in data collection and sustainable fishing practices.