Ashley Sherp
About Ashley Sherp
Ashley Sherp is the Manager of R&D Operations - Genotyping at Benson Hill, where she has worked since 2018. She holds a PhD in Plant Molecular Biology from Washington University in St. Louis and has extensive experience in plant science research and development.
Current Role at Benson Hill
Ashley Sherp serves as the Manager of R&D Operations in Genotyping at Benson Hill. She has held this position since 2018, contributing to the company's research and development efforts in agricultural biotechnology. Her role involves overseeing various projects related to genotyping and ensuring that operational objectives are met efficiently. Ashley's experience in the field allows her to lead initiatives that align with the company's goals in crop improvement and sustainability.
Education and Expertise
Ashley Sherp earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Plant Molecular Biology from Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied from 2011 to 2017. Prior to that, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Missouri University of Science and Technology, completing her studies from 2008 to 2011. Her educational background provides her with a strong foundation in plant science and molecular biology, which informs her research and development work.
Professional Background
Ashley Sherp has a diverse professional background in research and development within the agricultural sector. She worked as a Trait Discovery Breeder Co-Op at Monsanto Company for seven months in 2016. Additionally, she served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Washington University in St. Louis from 2011 to 2018. Her early experience includes an internship at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in 2010 and a role as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at Missouri University of Science and Technology from 2009 to 2011.
Research Contributions
Throughout her career, Ashley Sherp has made significant contributions to research in plant science. She developed an assay to screen corn kernels for pathogen resistance, which included creating written protocols for future use. Additionally, she conducted association mapping for disease resistance in corn, utilizing both field and growth chamber screens. Her collaboration with a statistician enhanced the accuracy of these mapping efforts, demonstrating her ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
Presentations and Collaborations
Ashley Sherp has presented her research findings to a variety of collaborators and at co-op and intern poster sessions. Her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences is a key aspect of her professional skill set. This experience reflects her commitment to collaboration and knowledge sharing within the scientific community, furthering the goals of her research initiatives.