Ashley Buckingham, MSN, RN, CHSE is driven by a passion for healthcare, education and learning. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ashley earned both her bachelor’s degree in nursing and her master’s degree in nursing education from Robert Morris University.
Shortly after graduating, Ashley began working full-time as a critical care ICU nurse at Allegheny Hospital in Pittsburgh. At the same time, she began teaching part-time at her alma mater to support nursing students during their ICU clinical rotations.
“My time with the nursing students really highlighted my passion for teaching,” she explained. “I eventually relocated to Portland, Maine and started working at the University of New England (UNE) as a clinical professor in the nursing department.”
After five years teaching alongside colleagues whom she described as “amazing,” Ashley transitioned into her current role as Senior Director of the Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center. In this position, she collaborates with more than 14 different health professionals to design and facilitate simulation-based learning experiences for students. In 2022, she further strengthened her expertise by earning her Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator credential.
As her leadership responsibilities expanded, Ashley began exploring doctoral programs that would allow her to continue working while strengthening her research skills. A student and colleague at UNE recommended Logan University’s online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Health Professions Education program.
“I was drawn to the degree because of its self-paced, online program,” Ashley said. “I also loved the focus on research, which was an area I wanted to strengthen in my professional career.”
Ashley enrolled in the Ed.D. program in January 2025 and is expected to graduate in Summer 2027. The experience so far has been both validating and intense.
“The seven-week courses are full of good information, but it does come on fast,” she said. “The instructors are great to work with and I’ve learned so much from them.”
The biggest surprise for Ashley has been discovering a new passion for qualitative research.
“I didn’t think I would like qualitative research as much as I have. I am really happy to have completed both my qualitative and quantitative research courses,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Ashley plans to use her Ed.D. degree by providing the best learning experiences for students and hopes to expand into online teaching as her children get older. She encourages other interested in higher education and health professions to consider the Ed.D. program.
“I’ve already recommended the program to others,” she said. “It’s so well thought-out and has no ‘extras.’”