Ashley Gatto joined the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) as production systems intern in May 2024. In this role, Ashley supports the animal production research portfolio within FFAR’s Production Systems Priority Area, which is providing her experience in scientific program management, program administration functions and a variety of food and agriculture issues.
Ashley’s love for animals and agriculture led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Georgia. While at the university, she participated in programs that allowed her to learn about animal genetics and livestock production outside of the U.S., which enabled her to obtain a Certificate in International Agriculture. Ashley’s passion for animals also resulted in a “gap year” working at the Oatland Island Wildlife Center, an environmental education and rehabilitation facility in Savannah Ga. In the fall of 2024, Ashley will return to the University of Georgia to continue her master’s degree in agricultural business.
In her spare time, Ashley enjoys traveling, cooking/baking and spending time with her family’s farm of chickens, ducks, geese and dogs.