"I want to pursue a career in research that both expands my knowledge of the world and helps the people in it.”

Ashley Sutter, a University of Michigan student with a passion for biochemistry and molecular biology, is on a path to making significant contributions to the fight against cancer. She is currently excelling and has already been recognized with the prestigious Branstrom Freshman Prize for her outstanding achievements.

Ashley’s commitment to her education and community involvement is evident in every aspect of her life. As a peer mentor in the Women in Science and Engineering Residential Program, she has not only guided her peers but also exemplified resilience in her own academic journey. One of her instructors highlights Ashley’s “unwavering commitment to academic excellence and her innate resilience,” particularly noting her ability to overcome challenges in organic chemistry​. This drive is further reflected in Ashley’s leadership roles, including her work on the service committee in Circle K International, where she brought “fresh content into the service projects” and created a positive environment for her fellow members​.

Ashley’s passion for STEM extends beyond the classroom. She has been actively involved in Alpha Tau Pi, a pre-professional fraternity, where she continues to build a network of like-minded individuals committed to scientific exploration. Her goal is to leverage this community and her rigorous academic training to contribute to cancer research, a field close to her heart due to personal experiences of loss from the disease. As Ashley expresses, “I want to pursue a career in research that both expands my knowledge of the world and helps the people in it.”

Her dedication to her goals is further demonstrated by her professional experiences, including a summer job at Abbott Laboratories, where she gained valuable research skills. Ashley is determined to use her education and experiences to make a meaningful impact, particularly in the realm of cancer research, and to support women in STEM, ensuring that they too can succeed in this challenging field.

CEW+ encourages Ashley’s drive to succeed and names her an Irma M. Wyman Scholar.