Hi, I'm Ashley Scruse, PhD
I'm a professor, mom, and builder. By day, I teach bioinformatics at Morehouse College. By night, I'm turning my skills into digital products and documenting everything I learn along the way.
It all started back in 2013 when I chose to study mathematics at Clark Atlanta University. By the end of freshman year, I was tutoring anyone on campus who needed help with calculus. That was my first taste of turning skills into a venture, though I wouldn't have called it that at the time.
Now I'm building in public, sharing honest lessons from the messy middle of entrepreneurship, and helping other knowledge workers do the same.
In a few words...
A BIT MORE ABOUT ME
Success isn't about doing it all. It's about finding systems that let you do what matters without losing yourself in the process.
My turning point
Starting a wig-making business while in grad school. It taught me I could build something real while pursuing my PhD, and that I did not want to trade physical labor for money. That was the real difference between a business venture and a hobby.
What lights me up
Late-night coding sessions with lo-fi beats. Cooking a new recipe from scratch. Seeing my toddler discover something new.
Most likely to be found...
Juggling research, building projects, and chasing my toddler around the house.
My resets & rituals
Long walks with no agenda. Cooking from scratch on Sundays. Quiet moments after my son is asleep.
A fun fact
I earned my PhD before I learned to code. Now I can't imagine building anything without it.
Curious, resilient, endlessly building.
MY CORE PRINCIPLES
What I Believe
“I got further with community in six weeks than I did alone in six months. No one builds in isolation.”
You are the niche.
Success isn't about choosing one path. It's about creating your own intersection and thriving there.
Community is everything.
I got further with community in six weeks than I did alone in six months. Building happens best together.
Balance is possible.
Not easy, but possible. With the right systems, mindset, and people around you.
How Did I Get Here?
The Journey So Far
Mathematics Foundation
Started college at Clark Atlanta University studying mathematics. By the end of freshman year, completed advanced calculus and began tutoring on campus. My first taste of turning skills into income.
Grad School + Entrepreneurship
Started graduate school and launched a wig-making business. Juggled research with entrepreneurship, learning valuable lessons about scaling and time management.
New Life, New Priorities
Welcomed my baby into the world. This shifted my perspective on balance, systems, and what really matters.
PhD + New Chapter
Earned my PhD in Bioinformatics and joined Morehouse College as Faculty Fellow. Taught myself to code and discovered my passion for building.
Building in Public
Started building digital products and documenting the journey. Completed the Atlanta Blockchain Immutable Founder's Cohort.
Academic by Day, Builder by Night
Continuing at Morehouse while building products on the side. Days start in the classroom and stretch late into building what I believe in.
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Ready to Connect?
Whether you want to chat about building products, share ideas, or just say hi, I'd love to hear from you.