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Ashley Kang is currently enrolled in UNE’s accelerated dental program. She has a major in medical biology and a minor in chemistry. Her undergraduate career will be complete by December 2022. The dental program interested Ashley because it will allow her to practice her passions for art and science. She says, “Dentistry is an amazing collaboration between sciences and arts because we are rebuilding teeth that have been damaged.”

UNE’s small-town community atmosphere was a good fit for what Ashley was looking for in a university. She says, “My favorite thing about 51Ʒ��is how small our class sizes are. At UNE, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to really get to know all of my professors.” Being able to work closely with her classmates and professors has provided opportunities to pursue research from the beginning of her career. These connections that she made in class with her professors first led to obtaining a research assistant position for a microbiology project her advisors were taking over. It was during this time that she learned about the SURE program. The focus research at 51Ʒ��has for benefitting and improving the community sold Ashley on pursuing it. She applied for the SURE program and became the 2022 Saint Francis College Class of ’69 SURE Fellowship recipient, and this past summer, Ashley participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) researching water contamination in Biddeford Pool. 

The goal of Ashley’s summer project was to identify the source of fecal contamination in Biddeford Pool. Past researchers at 51Ʒ��found that this contamination was resulting in closures and was thus affecting both commercial and recreational use of the area. Ashley’s project began by hypothesizing that the contamination was coming from old septic tank leaks in the area. They’re doing this by testing water samples for human DNA. If they find human DNA in these samples then that proves where the contamination is coming from. Finding the answer better prepares the community to combat the issue. Ashley says, “It ultimately comes down to our community’s health and safety. Every time there is a closure it poses a health hazard for recreational users and commercial fishermen.” Ashley plans to continue research focused on solving community issues through dental school and beyond. 

The SURE program has not only allowed her to hone her lab skills but it has allowed her to grow as a communicator, professional, and community member. Ashley says, “Funding for programs like these really matters. I am so fortunate to be able to be part of this experience. Supporting this program shows that we care about our community’s health. We can all grow together and learn something that will protect us all in the future.”