Political Science

Ashley Olson is a first-year Ph.D. student whose research lies at the intersection of comparative politics and international relations. Her research examines authoritarian stability using system dynamics. Drawing on perspectives from political science, systems engineering, and intelligence studies, her work develops an analytical framework to understand complex geopolitical systems and improve national security decision-making. Before beginning her doctoral studies, she served for a decade as a U.S. Air Force intelligence officer, advising senior military and interagency leaders on complex national security challenges, including terrorism, strategic competition, and transnational organized crime. She also taught national security and leadership as an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Following her Ph.D., Ashley plans to contribute to U.S. national security policy through government service or policy research.

Ashley holds a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy and an M.A. in Intelligence Studies from American Military University. She is also an alumna of the National Defense University's Program for Emerging Leaders.