Graduate Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles
Ashlee Stiles
Summer 2012 Archer Fellow
Internship: U.S. Dept of Education
Education
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Ph.D. Genetics and Development; December 2012
Angelo State University
B.S. Biology; May 2008
Career
Co-Director Biochemical Genetics Laboratory and Co-Director of the Referral Laboratory at Duke University Medical Center
Summer 2012 Archer Fellow
Internship: U.S. Dept of Education
Education
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Ph.D. Genetics and Development; December 2012
Angelo State University
B.S. Biology; May 2008
Career
Co-Director Biochemical Genetics Laboratory and Co-Director of the Referral Laboratory at Duke University Medical Center
“My favorite memory of the Graduate Program in Public Policy is of the Archer Fellows standing in line on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial taking turns reciting Martin Luther King Jr's 'I have a Dream' speech and seeing how quickly an audience was attracted who stayed and listened to the words. It was such a powerful and moving moment for me."
Q & A with Ashlee
Please give us a snapshot of your current position.
In my current position as a co-director of the biochemical genetics laboratory, I interpret and sign-out laboratory test results which aid in the diagnosis or monitoring of patients with inborn errors of metabolism. In my role as co-director of the referral laboratory, I work with hospital leadership focusing on utilization management of genetic send-out tests.
What has been your general career path?
Since receiving my undergraduate degree, I have dedicated a lot of time and effort in exploring a multitude of career paths trying to find my 'dream job'. It wasn't until my fourth year of graduate school that I discovered the career path that continues to inspire and motivate me.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
My experience as an Archer Fellow has made a lasting impact on my professional path and goals. Being an Archer Fellow has taught me the importance of advocacy, clear communication, giving back and most importantly how to work with individuals of many different backgrounds.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
What I value the most about the summer I spent in D.C. as an Archer Fellow in the Graduate Program in Public Policy is the lasting friendships that were made. Being able to spend a summer learning from a group of such talented individuals all with different backgrounds, interests and goals was an experience of a lifetime.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
The most important thing I learned as an Archer Fellow was that I am my biggest advocate. I have to advocate for what I believe in to see and make changes in patient care.
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumna?
What I value the most about being an Archer Alumni is the lasting positive impact that the fellowship has made on my life--both personally and professionally. Not a day goes by that I don't reflect on a lesson or memory that was made that summer.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
My favorite memory of the Graduate Program in Public Policy is of the Archer Fellows standing in line on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial taking turns reciting Martin Luther King Jr's 'I have a Dream' speech and seeing how quickly an audience was attracted who stayed and listened to the words. It was such a powerful and moving moment for me.
Do you have advice for prospective students?
My advice for anyone who is considering the Graduate Program in Public Policy is to go for it. My thesis advisor and the graduate school at UT Southwestern were fully supportive of my decision to apply for the program and to spend a summer focusing on something other than my research. They understood how important this opportunity would be for me and for my long-term success, and getting their support early in the process made it possible for me to fully invest myself in the Graduate Program in Public Policy.
Please give us a snapshot of your current position.
In my current position as a co-director of the biochemical genetics laboratory, I interpret and sign-out laboratory test results which aid in the diagnosis or monitoring of patients with inborn errors of metabolism. In my role as co-director of the referral laboratory, I work with hospital leadership focusing on utilization management of genetic send-out tests.
What has been your general career path?
Since receiving my undergraduate degree, I have dedicated a lot of time and effort in exploring a multitude of career paths trying to find my 'dream job'. It wasn't until my fourth year of graduate school that I discovered the career path that continues to inspire and motivate me.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
My experience as an Archer Fellow has made a lasting impact on my professional path and goals. Being an Archer Fellow has taught me the importance of advocacy, clear communication, giving back and most importantly how to work with individuals of many different backgrounds.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
What I value the most about the summer I spent in D.C. as an Archer Fellow in the Graduate Program in Public Policy is the lasting friendships that were made. Being able to spend a summer learning from a group of such talented individuals all with different backgrounds, interests and goals was an experience of a lifetime.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
The most important thing I learned as an Archer Fellow was that I am my biggest advocate. I have to advocate for what I believe in to see and make changes in patient care.
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumna?
What I value the most about being an Archer Alumni is the lasting positive impact that the fellowship has made on my life--both personally and professionally. Not a day goes by that I don't reflect on a lesson or memory that was made that summer.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
My favorite memory of the Graduate Program in Public Policy is of the Archer Fellows standing in line on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial taking turns reciting Martin Luther King Jr's 'I have a Dream' speech and seeing how quickly an audience was attracted who stayed and listened to the words. It was such a powerful and moving moment for me.
Do you have advice for prospective students?
My advice for anyone who is considering the Graduate Program in Public Policy is to go for it. My thesis advisor and the graduate school at UT Southwestern were fully supportive of my decision to apply for the program and to spend a summer focusing on something other than my research. They understood how important this opportunity would be for me and for my long-term success, and getting their support early in the process made it possible for me to fully invest myself in the Graduate Program in Public Policy.
