Ashley York

Ashley York is the 3D Fabrication Manager at the Holman Biotech Commons, where she works at the intersection of digital fabrication, biomedical research, and emerging technologies. She develops fabrication strategies that translate complex research questions, data, and ideas into physical prototypes, anatomical models, and custom laboratory tools, identifying opportunities where prototyping can accelerate discovery and make emerging technologies more accessible to faculty and researchers.

With more than two decades of experience in digital and analog fabrication, prototyping, and interdisciplinary arts, York brings an unusually broad range of technical and material expertise spanning life casting, mold making and replication, industrial and traditional ceramics, 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, welding, woodworking, and analog and digital modeling. Her formal study of human anatomy, combined with extensive training in anatomical and figurative sculpture, has developed a rigorous understanding of human morphology, structure, and spatial relationships. This interdisciplinary foundation informs her approach to developing anatomically accurate biological models and translating complex anatomical structures into precise physical representations.

Before joining Penn, York built and managed digital fabrication facilities and studios in higher education, developing infrastructure, safety and training systems, technical workflows, and interdisciplinary programs while leading technical staff and student teams. She has extensive experience integrating emerging technologies and building sustainable fabrication programs that connect teaching, research, and innovation.

She holds an MFA from Temple University and brings extensive technical and material expertise to interdisciplinary research, translating complex scientific and fabrication challenges into innovative, practical solutions.