Ashley Pall connects science to service.

“I am very passionate about my research,” she said. “Not only because I am determined to help the science community, but because I am determined to help humanity as a whole.”

The microbiology student plans to design her future around producing research to help with a variety of neurodegenerative diseases.

To give her a foundation for that work, Pall works as a laboratory research assistant, where she studies brain-related iron transport by the NHE9 protein; disruption of NHE9 function is associated with multiple neurological diseases.

For her work, she’s received an undergraduate fellowship awarded by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs so she can dedicate her time to working in the lab. Pall also has had her work published in a prestigious journal in the field of cell biology.

Pall also works as a teaching assistant for a cell biology laboratory class and was awarded a student mentor fellowship in 2017, which provided her an opportunity to run informal discussions and student-to-student office hours for cell biology.

“I am passionate about helping others in the science field learn and grow, which is  why I continue to mentor students in my field. I hope to inspire learning and start research that leaves a mark on society long after I am gone,” Pall said.

Pall volunteers to make a mark too—for people and the planet.

She spends time interacting with residents at local nursing homes and tending to the basic needs of patients. And she participates in river clean ups and turtle conservancy, and spent hours kayaking rivers to collect trash in an attempt to preserve the delicate ecosystems.

“Ashley is truly invested in health and environment,” said Assistant Professor Kalyan Kondapalli.

“She contributes to our campus and the community in diverse ways, and her activities reflect how commitment to service and a passion for science dovetail perfectly.”