Our Team

Ashley Nashleanas

Paralympian Dr. Ashley Nashleanas, who has been totally blind since birth, set American swimming records at the 2004 Para-Olympics in Athens, Greece. She received her Ph.D. from Iowa State University (2018) in educational psychology, where she explored how blind high school students interact with tactile graphics and what supports are necessary. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she also has a Master’s in Computational Chemistry. Dr. Nasheleanas has consulted to improve state-wide and national assessments, and has been invited to present at national education conferences. She currently teaches educational psychology and STEM education courses at Morningside College and Northwestern College.  Dr. Nashleanas’ research interests focus on creating and improving approaches for blind students to access and understanding graphical information.  In addition to her educational endeavors, she enjoys staying physically fit, traveling, and spending time with those she loves.

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Greg Williams

Dr. Greg Williams received his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, in theoretical chemistry. His undergraduate background is in both chemistry and mathematics. Dr. Williams has been blind since birth and is originally from Northwest Indiana. He has been working with Independence Science since 2010 and some of his research interests are in science access technology development and technical braille codes. Dr. Williams has presented papers on science access at national meetings of the American Chemical Society, California State University North Ridge (CSUN), Assistive Technology Industry Association, and others.  He has worked for See Write Hear, GH LLC, and Purdue University. He currently lives in Lafayette, Indiana and is happily married with two children.

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Ashley Neybert

Ashley Neybert is interested in making Science more fun and accessible for all people whether that be through physical access such as our Sci-Voice® Talking LabQuest 2 or intellectual access by including novel demonstrations and relevant “real-life” usage of science to help people see why science is important for everyone from business majors to of course career scientists! Developer of accessible version of the tornado in a bottle experiment and can make a flaming pumpkin that doesn’t burn she is also a member on the American Chemical Society’s Chemists with Disabilities Committee and Vice-President of the National Federation of the Blind’s Science and Engineering Division. Ashley got her Bachelor’s in Chemistry at Rockhurst University in 2015 and her Master’s in Education in Learning and Instructional Design at Wichita State University in 2021. You may contact Ashley regarding product sales, curriculum design work, speaking engagements, and to teach at camps, workshops, and conferences.

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Peter Walters

Dr. Peter Walters received his PhD in High-energy nuclear physics from the University of Rochester and an MS in applied mathematics/data analytics from Manhattan College. He earned a B.S. in computational physics and mathematics from Saint Bonaventure University. Dr. Walters has worked as a research scientist, as an educator, has authored many research articles about technical developments in the commercial space industry, and has apprenticed at a venture capital firm. Dr. Walters lost his eyesight as a teenager and has used assistive technology and accommodations to help him succeed at school, work, and at home for the past 25 years. He currently resides in the Bronx with his wife and children where he obsessively grows peppers.

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Robert Jaquiss

Robert Jaquiss holds a BS in computer Science from Oregon State University and formerly worked at Tektronix Inc. in Beaverton as a Software Engineer, Telecommunications Analyst, and Network Administrator.  Robert was blinded due to Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).  A member of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) since 1990, he has developed an expertise in the technologies related to the production of tactile graphics, three-dimensional models, and document scanning and processing. Robert joined the staff at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute (NFBJI) as a computer programmer and Access Technology Specialist. He has served on the NFB Research and Development Committee since 1993.
Robert has held several leadership portfolios including as Executive Director of VIEW International Foundation, where he oversaw the production of the book Touch The Sun, and as the founder of Tactile Graphics Solutions LLC (TGS). Robert is interested in tactile graphics. Robert’s interests include archeology, history, the history of the blind, and the sustainable rehabilitation of the blind.

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Annalise Diodato

Annalise Diodato holds a B.S. in Forensic Chemistry from The University of Scranton. Interested in making science accesiblefor all, Annalise demonstrates how the blind and visually impaired can complete work in the lab. With a devotion to Forensic chemistry, Annalise is creating Forensic Science camp curriculum to show that anyone can follow their dreams. Annalise is currently working to make fingerprint analysis and blood splatter analysis accessible.