Ashley Davis

Oceanographer

Hi, I’m Ashley, and I’m a marine scientist who studies the history of our ocean using deep-sea corals with the idea that if we know what happened in the past, we can better predict and prepare for our future. I currently live in Aotearoa New Zealand where I recently completed my Ph.D. at the Victoria University of Wellington.

I grew up in South Carolina and always loved exploring beaches, playing in the surf, and collecting way too many seashells. I didn't realise that oceanography was a career I could pursue until high school when I did a science project on ocean acidification. I was astounded that all the carbon dioxide we pump into the atmosphere was changing the chemistry of the ocean and making it more acidic which threatened many marine species. I received mentorship from a professor at my local university, and she inspired me to continue studying oceanography. I've been privileged to be mentored by many amazing women throughout my career, so I want to help inspire the next generation of girls* to be guardians for our natural world and show them that they have a place in the earth sciences too.

I got involved with Inspiring Girls* Expeditions in 2025 working as an instructor with Girls* on Ice Aotearoa, and I'm looking forward to many more upcoming expeditions! When I'm not working, I enjoy being out in nature which includes swimming, snorkelling, or paddling waka ama (traditional outrigger canoes) around New Zealand's coasts or hiking through the bush and up the many beautiful mountains. I also like to grow veggies in my garden, read, and create art. 

Girls* on Ice Aotearoa Onsite Coordinator and Instructor 2025

Girls* on Water Alaska Instructor 2025