Ashley Tillison, PhD

Research Associate

Contact
atillison@lsu.edu
225-578-1014

Education
Bachelor's Degree: Biology, Xavier University of Louisiana, 2007
Master's Degree: MSPH in Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 2008
PhD: Public Health, Kent State University, 2024

Photo of Ashley Tillison

Dr. Tillison is a public health researcher and evaluator whose work focuses on using data, research, and community partnerships to strengthen public-serving systems. Her experience spans HIV prevention, substance use and behavioral health, impaired driving, and criminal justice reentry. Using mixed methods evaluation and stakeholder-centered research, she translates complex findings into practical recommendations that can inform programs, policy, and organizational improvement. She is also committed to teaching and mentoring students as emerging researchers, critical thinkers, and future contributors to public health.

Program Evaluation
Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
Mixed Methods Data Analysis
Community Engagement
Strategic Planning

Auditing DWI Courts in Louisiana to Improve Effectiveness
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | 2025鈥�2026 | $250,000
Dr. Tillison worked with an interdisciplinary team to develop and pilot a comprehensive evaluation system to assess DWI courts across Louisiana.

Louisiana Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success III (LaPFS III)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) | 2025鈥�2029 | $625,000
Dr. Tillison and the SREC team worked with the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health and four community coalitions to evaluate youth substance use prevention programming across the state.

Moles, A., Burns, A., Matthews, A. & Tillison, A. (2025). Using GIS and Web Maps for Community Engagement on Alcohol-Related Crashes and Policy Reform. In M. Leitner (Ed.), New Research in Crime Modeling and Mapping Using Geospatial Technology. Springer.

Moles, A., Burns, A., Tillison, A., & Matthews, A.L. (2024). Recreational Cannabis in Louisiana: Anticipating Potential Risks for Motor Vehicle Safety in the Short and Long Term. Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Social Research & Evaluation Center of Excellence.

Little, K., Robison, S. & Tillison, A. (2026). Empowering Communities Through Evaluation, Data, and Outreach. Louisiana Governor鈥檚 Office of Drug Policy.

Moles, A., Matthews, A., Tillison, A. & Burns, A. (2023). Louisiana Alcohol Profile. Louisiana Governor鈥檚 Office of Drug Policy. 

Tillison, A., Robison, S., & Little, K. (2023). Sustainability through evaluation: Community coalition evaluation beyond LaPFS II. Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health, Department of Wellness, Prevention, and Workplace Development.

Dr. Tillison is an avid gardener. She loves cooking from her garden, fitness, nature, and traveling.