Ashley White

In Ashley’s dual roles at Berkeley Lab as Head of Strategic Development & Communications for the Energy Sciences Area and Director of Communications for the Advanced Light Source, she leverages her background in research and policy to develop and communicate strategies, policies, and accomplishments of the Energy Sciences Area to a wide range of stakeholders. Prior to joining the Lab, she served in the U.S. Senate as an MRS/OSA Congressional Science & Engineering Fellow and in NSF’s Division of Materials Research as a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow. She also previously managed the materials science research program at the U.S. Green Building Council. She received a PhD in materials science from the University of Cambridge, and a BS and BA in materials science and engineering and music, respectively, from Virginia Tech.

What inspires you to work in STEM or operations?

My first job, as a high schooler, was at Jefferson Lab in Newport News, Virginia, where I grew up. I fell in love with the environment of the laboratory - all the instruments and wires and cabinets full of nuts and bolts - and silica aerogel, a material that I continued to research as an undergraduate intern at Berkeley Lab.

Science advances society and improves people's lives.

What excites you about your work at Berkeley Lab?

The diverse people, roles, and science at the Lab are really exciting. I enjoy that my positions allow me to interact with a really diverse set of users and staff at the ALS, and that I can interact with an even broader cross-section of people and science at the Area level. A primary project I'm working on now - developing the vision for Charter Hill - could define the science and facilities at the Lab for many years to come!

How can our country engage more women, girls, and members of other underrepresented groups in STEM or operations?

Role models are so important. Women and underrepresented groups get called on a lot to do outreach and serve on committees. It can be frustrating to feel like you're being asked to participate primarily as a representative of your "group" rather than because of your expertise or skills. But countless studies have pointed to role models as being important to engage these groups in STEM, so I try to never turn down an opportunity to be that role model.

Do you have tips you would recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?

My field of work has continued to evolve over the course of my career - definitely not a straight path! My recommendation is to never turn down an interesting opportunity, even if it's not part of the path you envisioned or clear where it will lead next.

When you have free time, what are your hobbies?

I'm a violinist and play in a community orchestra in San Francisco as well as some ad hoc chamber groups. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and son.