Ashley Jean Macdonald

Ashley MacDonald is an Instructor in the Business and Social Sciences department at Dalhousie's Faculty of Agriculture. With a background in Agricultural Business and Economics, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Since returning to the Department in 2017, Ashley has worn many hats, including graduate student, teaching assistant, tutor, part-time academic, and campus Writing Advisor.

Ashley's research area is in agricultural business, with a particular interest in sustainability and data-driven decision-making.  Ashley's Master's research was focused on consumer and retail food waste in Nova Scotia. For her PhD research, she is working with the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture exploring how small-scale dairy farms can be successful.

In the classroom, Ashley is passionate about creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment. She integrates Universal Design in Learning principles into her courses and employs innovative teaching and assessment strategies to foster critical thinking and active learning. Ashley incorporates many of her own experiences in the agricultural industry and managerial roles to her classes. Students can expect a supportive and engaging atmosphere where they are encouraged to think deeply and participate actively.

Education:

• BSc (Agr), Agricultural Business with minor in Ag. Economics - Dalhousie University
• MSc in Agriculture - Dalhousie University
• PhD Student - Dalhousie University

Research Topics:

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Agricultural Business and Management
• Decision-making in Complex Systems
• Research Methods
• Universal Design in Learning

Teaching for Academic Year 2024/25: 

• EGLA 0101- Writing for Business
• MGTA 1004- Introduction to Business
• MGTA 0209- Agricultural Manager I
• MGTA 0210- Agricultural Manager II
• MGTA 2000- Human Resource Management
• MGTA 2006- Advertising & Promotion
• MGTA 2019- Organizational Behaviour

Publications:

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