Ashley Borjon is a Sociology Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, Merced, where her research focuses on the intersection of race, gender, and class in education and mental health. Her work examines how systemic inequalities contribute to the medicalization or criminalization of marginalized youth, particularly those suspected of having ADHD. Currently, she is working on her MA thesis, which investigates parental perceptions of school behavioral management for children with ADHD through a Qualtrics survey. As a first-generation graduate student, a Black woman, and a mother of three, Ashley brings a unique perspective to her research and teaching, driven by a commitment to advancing equity in education and mental health.
In her role as a Graduate Teaching Fellow for AFRO Hall, Ashley teaches the USTU course for undergraduate students, mentors students, and fosters inclusive learning environments. Her work has been published in the CSU Stanislaus Honors Journal, where she explored the social phenomenon of Black cosplay and its connection to racial battle fatigue. Ashley’s long-term goal is to become a faculty member, where she plans to continue her research on ADHD and racial biases while developing workshops and training programs for educators on culturally responsive teaching and addressing implicit biases. Through her research, teaching, and mentorship, she aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and communities.
