Research Interests: Community-Police Relations | Racial and Legal Socialization | Community Violence | Participatory Action Research
Ashley N. Jackson was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She earned a BS in Administration of Justice from George Mason University in 2009 and an MSW from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration in 2011. Ashley was funded by the 2017-2018 Fulbright U.S. Student Program to conduct research in Cali, Colombia where she explored how local NGOs support vulnerable communities impacted by conflict and violence. Prior to moving to Colombia, Ashley worked at the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the Vera Institute of Justice (Vera) in New York. At LISC she provided support to communities across the country helping to address public safety issues and improve community-police relations. During her time at Vera, she conducted mixed-methods criminal justice research focusing on youth experiences during and after incarceration as well as youth experiences interacting with the police in New York. Ashley is a cat lover, enjoys dancing, practicing her Spanish, traveling, and cupcakes.