Ashley Cave

2025-26 Global One Health Fellow

About Ashley

Ashley is a fourth year DVM/PhD student in the Comparative Biomedical Sciences program at North Carolina State University, advised by Drs. Matthew Breen and Gregory Lewbart. Before coming to NCSU, she earned her BS in Biology and BA in Statistics from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH.

Ashley is researching exposures to environmental and anthropogenic contaminants in domestic animals and wildlife. Additionally, she is investigating the adverse health consequences of such exposures. Her current work involves quantifying the extent of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the endangered Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) and comparing this to the genetically and physiologically similar California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Additionally, she is utilizing epidemiologic data and samples from the domestic dog as a sentinel to understand the health consequences of PFAS exposure on all members of the home. Through this research and her clinical veterinary training, Ashley seeks to enhance our understanding of the scope of anthropogenic pollution in our environment and the harmful effects that these chemicals may have on all species.

Contact Information

Email: aecave@ncsu.edu

Faculty Advisors

Matthew Breen | Molecular Biomedical Sciences
Gregory Lewbart | Clinical Sciences