Ashley Morgan

Dr. Ashley Morgan is a veterinarian and ecotoxicologist currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate with the University of Tennessee’s One Health Initiative. She earned her BS in Marine Science and Biology, with minors in Chemistry and Visual Art, from the University of Miami. She subsequently completed both her Master of Public Health (MPH) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at the University of Tennessee, followed by an MS and PhD in Integrative Biology at Florida Atlantic University. Her doctoral research focused on the development, biochemistry, and effects of synbiotic supplementation and environmental toxicants in aquacultured Florida pompano. 

Dr. Morgan’s research investigates the ecological and physiological impacts of environmental contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals, phthalates, and other legacy and emerging pollutants, on wildlife species. Her work places particular emphasis on maternal transfer of toxicants, the mobilization of contaminants into eggs and yolk in oviparous organisms, and the immunological consequences of toxicant exposure in embryos and neonates, including altered disease susceptibility and pathogen shedding dynamics. She also has a strong interest in toxicologic histopathology, integrating tissue-level pathology with chemical and molecular analyses to better understand mechanisms of toxicant-induced disease. 

In addition to her research, Dr. Morgan is actively engaged in teaching and mentorship, working closely with both undergraduate and graduate students. She is committed to exposing students to research opportunities and supporting their development as researchers and scientific communicators.