What’s next for the Class of 2026: Ashley Martinho

“What’s next for the Class of 2026” is a series that features Lafayette grads—where they’re headed and the mentors, resources, and experiences that inspired their future paths. Stay tuned for more stories throughout April and May.

Ashley with Daisy, who she has been a dogsitter for throughout college. (Photo | JaQuan Alston)

By Maddie Pedone ’26 

Major:

Biology with a minor in art

Destination/Future Plans:

Attending veterinary school at Ross University starting in August

Involvement on Campus: 

Ashley Martinho ’26 was kept busy during her four years at Lafayette College while pursuing a degree in biology with a minor in art. She was a member of the women’s soccer team and served as team captain this past season. She also spoke on a panel of student-athletes during an accepted students’ day in 2025 to share her experiences at Lafayette.

The experiences that mattered most:

Martinho says one of her most memorable moments at Lafayette was with her team this past fall when they played against Texas A&M. 

“It was great for us to play in that higher level Division 1 environment. We don’t get to do that too often, and there were hundreds of people at the game, like crazy fans, yelling,” Martinho says. “It was a really, really great experience that I will treasure and value forever.” 

How Lafayette shaped your future:

During the past year, Martinho received a stipend from Gateway Career Center Summer Stipend Program. That stipend program enabled her to take on a position as a veterinary technician for the clinic at the Associated Humane Societies in Newark, N.J., and gain valuable experience for her future career.

“I had to commute an hour every day, so the stipend was incredible for me to be able to pay for gas money and other expenses I had,” Martinho says. “[The stipend] was really wonderful and definitely helpful because I don’t know if I would have been able to handle that one hour commute every single day without it.”

Martinho says her adviser, Mike Butler, department head of biology, was very helpful throughout her four years at Lafayette and as she began to plan for her future career. Butler helped with her application process to veterinary school, even advocating on her behalf when there was a question about one of her courses.

“[Butler] sent [the graduate school] an official letter and was really standing up for me,” Martinho says. 

Martinho was also part of Butler’s research team, which gave her practical experience. Researchers monitored birds’ nests in the field—recording when nests had eggs and when they hatched, the number and weight of the eggs, and how many hatchlings survived to become fledglings. The group dissected nests of house sparrows, eastern bluebirds, and tree swallows to collect data on the construction materials used (natural materials such as feathers, branches, twigs, and fur vs. anthropogenic materials like films, twine, trash, and fake feathers).

Why Lafayette?

Martinho loves the tight-knit community Lafayette fosters with both those on campus and with alumni. She enjoys that the College establishes a close connection among past, current, and future students. 

“I’ve always heard alumni and the alumni network will do anything to help you after graduation, or anything that can help you find a job, or honestly offer any advice. I think this is super unique to Lafayette,” Martinho says. 

She also loves the feeling of home while being on campus. “It’s not uncommon to walk across campus and see students at a picnic table or just hanging out,” Martinho says. “It makes the campus feel kind of like a home away from home, and it’s just a happy, loving feeling that you get from being on campus.”  

The people who inspired you along the way:

Martinho says she received support throughout her four years at Lafayette from her biology professors and her soccer coach. 

Martinho says Prof. Laurie Caslake, Kreider Professor of Biology, was very helpful and supportive as she wrote a letter of recommendation for her veterinary school applications. 

“She was awesome, super encouraging, and super helpful,” Martinho says. 

Her soccer coach, Mick Statham, was supportive of her goals, both on the field and in the classroom. Martinho explains the head coach has been with her throughout her whole career at Lafayette—there for her during her struggles or successes, and always supportive. He also wrote a letter of recommendation for her veterinary school applications. 

“He has been so supportive of everything I’ve gone through at Lafayette,” Martinho says. “He’s just been really great, and I’ve had a wonderful experience with him as my coach.” 

Advice for future Leopards:

“Enjoy it,” Martinho says. 

She loves the surrounding area of Easton and has enjoyed exploring—whether it be different restaurants downtown, the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, or along the Delaware River. 

“I just think, really take advantage of everything that there is in Easton outside of Lafayette because it’s so much fun to live here,” Martinho says. “I think it’s a great place to spend your college years.”