Ashley Neybert, PhD
Ashley Neybert, PhD is an education researcher, curriculum designer, and accessibility advocate in science based in Corvallis, Oregon, where she works with Independence Science to make laboratory learning more inclusive for blind and low-vision students. Her journey into science accessibility began while studying chemistry in college, when she started experiencing vision loss and began navigating how to continue her education under rapidly changing circumstances. A pivotal connection to a mentor in the accessibility space helped her transition into working on talking laboratory equipment and adaptive science tools designed to support blind scientists and students.
As her experiences deepened, Ashley recognized that her challenges were not isolated, but part of a much larger systemic gap in science education. This realization ultimately guided her toward doctoral research at Oregon State University, where she completed her PhD in Education with a focus on science accessibility. Her dissertation compiled one of the largest known collections of lived experiences from blind individuals in science, capturing stories across multiple decades to better understand barriers and identify long-term solutions for inclusive STEM education.
Today, Ashley serves as Lead Curriculum Specialist at Independence Science, where she designs accessible science curricula and consults on inclusive education practices. Her work extends beyond supporting blind learners to improving accessibility for a wide range of students, including those who are autistic or have physical disabilities. Through curriculum development, research, and advocacy, she continues to advance the idea that accessible design in science benefits everyone and helps ensure that no student is excluded from exploring STEM because of disability.
• Wichita State University
Masters in Curriculum and Instructional Design, Curriculum and Instruction
• Oregon State University
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, EDUCATION
• American Cancer Society
• Susan G. Komen
• American Chemical Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I think the factor to my success was my grandparents. When I was little, they always read me The Little Train That Could story and told me I was that little train trying to go up the hill. It's hard, but you keep trying, and he makes it in the end. They also shared stories like Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey, which taught me that being different can be hard, but those differences come out to be your strengths. The characters in these stories had parts where they were crying and wanting to give up, but that was okay. That foundation was really drilled into me from as early as I can remember, and it set me up for being able to deal with all of the challenges I faced. They taught me that sometimes it might be really sad, but your differences can ultimately become your greatest assets.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to try to remember that you're better than you think you are. I've always fallen into the trap that so many women do of being there to support your friends and family, telling them they're beautiful and amazing, but we never think of that ourselves. When you look at yourself, you're like, oh yeah, you all deserve respect and love and beauty and breaks, but not me. I'm trash and I need to work all the time, and no, I don't get a mental health day. Being able to take breaks and not feel guilty about it is so important, though I'm still so bad at it. That time to energize yourself and be with your friends is crucial. Don't lose that because you're so focused on finishing things. Remember that you are a good person, and you need to think of yourself like you would your friends too. I can vividly remember times being so hungry and thinking I'd love to buy a dollar burger but telling myself I don't have the money, then immediately walking into a shop and spending thirty dollars on something for my sister without question. Why am I denying myself a dollar but have all the money in the world to make someone else happy?