Ascensy is a New York native and a recent graduate from the University of Oregon, where she earned a BS in Biology, a concentration in Ecology and Evolution, and a minor in Black Studies. During her time at the UO, she cultivated a love for marine wildlife ecology and conservation and a passion for increasing diversity in the field of conservation. This past summer, Ascensy worked as a conservation education intern at the Siuslaw National Forest on the Oregon coast, where she developed a newfound love for seabirds and environmental outreach. Professionally, Ascensy hopes to one day pursue an advanced degree in wildlife management and conservation while finding unique ways to encourage underrepresented communities to pursue careers in the outdoors.