Ashli Townsend
Lebanon,TN
Summary
Highly qualified Graduate Research Assistant proficient in research, children's education, and community outreach. Seeking an opportunity to develop as a future public history professional.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
Center for Historic Preservation
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
08.2025 - Current
- Developed lesson plans using primary source material and presented them on Digging In Webinars for Teaching with Primary Sources Southern Region to improve educators' resources and instructional strategies.
- Coordinated with Regional Coordinator to organize Regional Competition for History Day, enhancing student engagement with historical content.
- Wrote newsletters, created graphics, and organized judges to facilitate smooth competition operations.
Intern
Tennessee State Library and Archives
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
05.2025 - 07.2025
- Coordinated and planned programming and activities for Junior Archivist summer camp, enhancing participant engagement.
- Compiled comprehensive list of sources in TSLA archives to support student research for History Day.
- Redeveloped 1920s Docsbox aligned with Tennessee State standards, facilitating fun and engaging classroom learning.
Intern
Papers of Martin Van Buren
Lebanon, TN
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Transcribed letters to Martin Van Buren into digital database, enhancing public access to historical correspondence.
Dance Instructor
Belamour Ballet Leadership Dance Academy
Lebanon, TN
05.2023 - 08.2025
- Instructed students of diverse ages and skill levels in classical ballet, fostering a love for dance and enhancing technique.
- Developed and choreographed recital pieces, providing students with performance experience and enhancing their confidence.
- Facilitated Bible studies at the beginning of class, promoting leadership development and community building among students.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Degree in History And English
Cumberland University
Lebanon, TN05-2025
Associate of Arts - Education
Cumberland University
Lebanon, TN12-2022
MA - PUBLIC HISTORY
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN03-2026
Skills
- Researching Historical Events
- Written Communication
- Verbal Communication
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft TEAMS
- Google Docs
- Google Slides
- Time Management
- Interpersonal Skills
- Leadership
Volunteer Experience
- TAM. 2025 and 2026. Assisted with room monitoring at conference. Assisted with the execution of auction and cleanup afterwards.
- Fite-Fessenden House, Assisted with after-school history camp.
- Field Trip Day, Assisted with a field trip day at Fiddler’s grove, making whirligigs with elementary students.
- The Hermitage, Assisted for a day with Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp.
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
Center for Historic Preservation
08.2025 - Current
Intern
Tennessee State Library and Archives
05.2025 - 07.2025
Intern
Papers of Martin Van Buren
08.2024 - 05.2025
Dance Instructor
Belamour Ballet Leadership Dance Academy
05.2023 - 08.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Degree in History And English
Cumberland University
Associate of Arts - Education
Cumberland University
MA - PUBLIC HISTORY
Middle Tennessee State University