Ashby studied for a B.A. in Intercultural Studies at Bard College at Simon's Rock.[4] She graduated with a PhD in Egyptology from the University of Chicago.[4][5] Her doctoral research took place at the temple of Philae in Egypt, as well as excavating at the Kushite cemetery of El-Kurru in Sudan.[6] Her research examined the inscriptions, including graffiti, made by Kushite visitors, who traveled to the Egyptian temples in Lower Nubia.[6][7]
She is also a co-founder of the William Leo Hansberry Society, which seeks to educate people of African descent about African antiquity.[2]
Media
In 2018, Ashby featured in a documentary directed by Taaqiy Grant, which looked at many aspects of Ancient Egyptian civilization, including its barter-based economic system.[10] In 2020, she featured in the film series Hapi, which focused on the role of economics in civilization.[11]
Publications
Calling Out To Isis: the Enduring Nubian Presence at Philae (2020)[12]
"Milk Libations for Osiris: Nubian Piety at Philae" in Near Eastern Archaeology (2019)[13]
"Dancing for Hathor: Nubian Women in Egyptian Cultic Life" in Dotawo: A Journal of Nubian Studies (2018)[14]