Ashley BerghoffGraduate Student

Biography

Ashley Berghoff is interested in how chronic illness impacts families from an ecological perspective. Her research focuses on adolescent and young adult chronic illness, and the transition adolescents undertake when they move from pediatric to adult-based care. Ashley is passionate about understanding the barriers and gaps that exist for adolescents with chronic conditions, particularly relating to identity development and sense of self. In the long term, she aims to increase research-based materials for adolescents to use to navigate the healthcare system and the challenges that come with having a chronic illness. Her passion is rooted in her own experiences as a member of the disabled community, and she aims to use her strengths as a researcher to create a lasting positive impact for this population.

Education and Relevant Experience

Ashley graduated from the University of Arkansas in May of 2021 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development and Family Science. During her undergraduate career, she worked as a research assistant in the Adolescent to Adult Risk and Resilience Co-Op, led by Dr. Amanda Terrell and Dr. Jennifer Becnel. During this time, she completed her Undergraduate Honors Thesis, titled “Parental Autonomy Granting and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents with Chronic Conditions”. She also worked on studies involving learning disabilities, obesity, and adolescent media behavior using qualitative and quantitative methods. She has presented her work at the Southeastern Conference on Family Relations and the National Conference on Family Relations. She is currently advised by Dr. Kristin Litzelman, and she has been working on research relating to caregiving and family outcomes.

Awards and Recognitions

Southeastern Conference on Family Relations 2019 – Most Outstanding Undergraduate Poster Presentation

“Linking Learning Disabilities and Depressive Symptoms”

Second Place – University of Arkansas Undergraduate Poster Competition (Education and Health) “Parental Autonomy Granting and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents with Chronic Conditions”

University of Arkansas Senior of Significance & Razorback Classic 2021

University of Arkansas First-Ranked Senior Scholar 2021