Dr. Ashlyn Ford

Post-Doctoral Fellow
E-mail: ashlyn.ford@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Marine Science and Disease Ecology

Dr. Ashlyn Ford is a marine ecologist who investigates how coastal ecosystems respond to environmental changes, with a focus on using data-driven approaches to improve restoration efforts. She earned her B.S. in Environmental Science from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and her Ph.D. in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. In the Ocean Lab under Dr. Jeanette Davis, Dr. Ford applies bioinformatics and environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to monitor biodiversity shifts during oyster reef restoration, identifying patterns of species recovery and changes in ecosystem function. She also studies potential parasites and viruses in the Hampton watershed to understand how microbial and pathogen dynamics influence estuarine health. By integrating ecological monitoring, molecular tools, and data analysis, Dr. Ford develops evidence-based strategies to enhance oyster restoration success and strengthen estuarine ecosystem resilience.