I’m Dr. Ashley Payne—Scientist, scientific writer, and creative force with over 15 years of experience. I’ve led research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other academic institutions with publications on infectious disease and behavioral science, and written original short stories exploring culture, spirit, and science.
Now, I consult with creatives to elevate the integrity and emotional resonance of their work.
You may know me as The Scientist Who Writes, where intellect meets intuition, and data meets dialogue. Whether I’m exploring the social determinants of health or channeling ancestral wisdom through fiction, I write and advise to educate, empower, and expand what’s possible. My approach is deeply informed by both data and lived experience.
As a Black woman in science, I bring an intersectional lens to every project, ensuring that representation is not only accurate but also affirming. My work is rooted in equity, truth-telling, and the belief that science can be just as imaginative as it is informative.
Whether I’m advising on a script, shaping a narrative arc, or offering cultural context to complex topics, I bring clarity, compassion, and credibility to every collaboration.