Summary
Samuel's research interests fall at the intersection of social psychology, disability, and education. Samuel has previously conducted research to explore improving attitudes and reducing bias towards disabled people through the use of educational interventions. Additionally, he has been part of numerous research projects, which include investigating ableism in mental healthcare settings, examining the overwork of educators within special education, and investigating benevolent ableism. His current research aims to explore connections between informal disability care networks and chosen kin.
Samuel also serves as the Student Actualization and Engagement Specialist within the Honors College. He supports incoming students as they navigate their first year at the 91ԭƬ and the Honors College.
Outside of academia, Samuel is a board game enthusiast, an avid sports fan, and enjoys spending time with family.
Presentations
- Szocik, K., Bettini, E., Brunsting, N., Ash, S. (2025, November). Overwork in Special Education: A Qualitative Analysis of Teachers’ Perspectives [multi-presenter]. Council for Exceptional Children Teacher Education Division, Kansas City, MO.
- Ash, S. “Comparative Analysis of Special Education in Ontario and Massachusetts,” York University Critical Disability Studies Colloquium. York University, Toronto, ON, Canada, August 2025.
- Ash, S., Klenotich, A. “Utilizing UDL as a Social Justice Lens in Education,” Radical MacACCESS. Macalester College, St. Paul, MN, April 10, 2024.
- Ash, S. “Improvement of Attitudes Towards People with Disabilities Through Education and Contact,” Minnesota Undergraduate Psychology Conference. Carleton College, Northfield, MN, April 2024.
Publications
- Wang, K., Ostrove, J. M., Manning, R. B., Fodero, S., Ash, S. L., Whang, J., Bogart, K. R., Cipollina, R., Nario-Redmond, M. R., Adler, J. M., & Lowe, S. R. (2024). Ableism in mental healthcare settings: A qualitative study among U.S. adults with disabilities. SSM - Qualitative Research in Health, 6, 100498.
- Ash, S. "Improvement of Attitudes Towards People with Disabilities Through Education and Contact" (2024). Psychology Honors Projects. 56.
Works in Progress
- Invited Chapter (forthcoming) Ash S., Silverman, A., Wang, K. (Expected 2027-28). Benevolent Ableism: Origins, Manifestations, and Intervention Implications [Working title]. In J. Ostrove & T. Dirth (Eds.), Handbook on the Social Psychology of Disability. Edward Elgar Publishing. (Expected publication: 2027-28).
Affiliated Lab
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Education
- M.A. in Critical Disability Studies, York University (Toronto, Canada), 2025
- B.A. in Psychology and Educational Studies, Macalester College, 2024
Professional certifications
- Graduate Dean's Merit Scholarship, 2026