Hi, I'm Ashley!
My name is Ashley Michelle Diedenhofen (she/her), and I’m a 26-year-old biologist and science communicator from California. I create educational videos on environmental science and sustainability, with the goal of inspiring curiosity and encouraging decisions that positively impact the planet.
When I’m not in California, I’m traveling and exploring new environments, foods, and cultures, and I seek out and share mindful ways to make it more eco-friendly.
My videos cover a range of topics, including reducing food waste, minimizing plastic use, current environmental events and solutions, and behind-the-scenes insights into environmental projects. I also share “day in the life” experiences from my travels, day-to-day sustainability journal, and what I learn along the way.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about SCUBA and freediving, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, practicing yoga, reading historical fiction, and diving into random topics that pique my interest.
Interested in working together? Let’s connect! Email me at scibyash@gmail.com
FAQs
What is your educational background?
I graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a BSc in Biological Sciences and a minor in Professional Writing focused on Science Communications. I also took a summer program in environmental film that got me into video production and editing.
UPDATE: I’m starting my Master’s in Environmental Science and Management at the Bren School at UCSB in Fall 2024!
How did you become a science communicator?
It started with a science writing course where I presented on coral reef bleaching. I loved researching and getting my audience excited, especially using visuals.
When TikTok and short-form video didn’t exist, I knew I wanted to educate with visuals in a way that suited short attention spans, but the career of “science communicator” wasn’t really a thing yet.
After graduating, I moved to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa, trying out different jobs. A cold email landed me a role as a science educator at the Sydney Observatory, where I talked about space—until Covid hit.
How did you end up making short form videos?
When Covid started, I was working at the Sydney Observatory but began making YouTube videos about topics like coral bleaching. They were 5 minutes long, with animations I taught myself to create—I was awkward on camera.
As Covid continued, I road-tripped Australia for 4 months and shifted to unedited Instagram videos. Still awkward!
I returned to California in December 2020 and started a “holiday sustainability” series. My younger brother suggested TikTok, and on Day 12, a food waste video went viral. I leaned into the topic and have been making videos ever since!
Have you always been interested in sustainability?
Yes and no. I’ve always loved tide pools, the beach, and learning, with a natural knack for science. My sustainable habits—reusing jars, bulk shopping, and trying food waste tips—grew over time. A couple of months into making videos, I realized, “Hey, I’m really into sustainability!”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still making videos, ideally funded by Nat Geo, NOAA, Patagonia, or similar. I want to create video courses, especially on reducing food waste and California’s environment for schools. I plan to keep traveling while building a base in California, planting fruit trees, raising hens, and mentoring young science communicators!