Gamma Phi Circus member Ashley Strehlow named Bone Scholar

• CAST Newsletter | ForeCAST

• Author By Sakura Ghimire
• September 10, 2025

What do artificial intelligence research, unicycles, and color guard flags have in common? Ashley Strehlow.

A senior at Illinois State University pursuing dual degrees in computer science (accelerated sequence) and computational mathematics, Strehlow has just been named a Bone Scholar, which is Illinois State's highest undergraduate honor. But her story goes far beyond academics.

"To be considered for the Bone Scholar Award, you must first be nominated by your
department, which includes two letters of nomination. After that, I submitted additional letters of
recommendation and wrote an essay that highlighted my academic achievements and
extracurricular activities. It was an intensive yet rewarding process, encouraging me to reflect on
my time at ISU."

From undeclared to unstoppable
Strehlow's journey began with uncertainty. She entered college undeclared, unsure of her path. Fast forward three years, and she's leading award-winning AI research, mentoring students in information technology, performing with Gamma Phi Circus, and spinning flags as a Big Red Marching Machine section leader.

From AI research to national recognition
"I think my wide involvement on campus helped me stand out as a candidate," Strehlow said. "I have had the opportunity to work on multiple research projects, a recent one being using AI to detect potholes in self-driving cars. I had the opportunity to present this work at the Society of Women Engineers conference, which is the largest conference for women in engineering and technology, with over 19,000 attendees."

Her research abstract was selected nationally as one of 10 finalists to compete in an undergraduate poster competition at the conference, where she earned a national first-place award for her poster. Her research also received the best poster award at the Real-Time Communications Conference hosted by IEEE, and it earned the people's choice award and second place in Illinois State's Image of Research competition.

"I presented another research project using AI to implement a new four-way stop system at the
SIAM Conference in Colorado and the WE Local Conference in Wisconsin, where it also earned
first-place recognition."

A leader in and beyond the classroom

Strehlow is also a mentor, teaching assistant, tutor, and community advocate, all while juggling her role as a circus performer in acts that feature juggling and unicycling. Before coming to Illinois State, Strehlow had no circus experience, which frequently surprised people. During the first week of her freshman year, she learned about Gamma Phi Circus and made the decision to attend one of the group's open houses with friends to give it a try. She was immediately captivated and has remained involved ever since.

"Being part of the juggling and unicycling acts has been one of the most unique and rewarding parts of my time at ISU, teaching me dedication and commitment in ways I never expected," Strehlow said. "Beyond performing, there is so much that happens behind the scenes-hours spent sewing costumes, the teamwork of pulling aerial acts as stage crew, and the friendships built in the gym that make it all possible. While I would never have imagined performing as part of a circus, balancing life as both a student and a member of Gamma Phi Circus has truly shaped my college experience."

In addition to performing in Gamma Phi Circus, Strehlow has also taken on a new leadership role in the organization. This year, she will be serving as the inaugural academic chair. In this position, she will serve as a peer mentor to circus members to provide them with resources and strategies to achieve academic success.

Mentorship and growth shape Strehlow's future ambitions

Looking back, Strehlow says the support of friends, mentors, and faculty in both the Math and IT departments-especially Dr. Shukri Abotteen has been instrumental in helping her navigate this journey.

"When I first got to ISU, I was unsure about my path and nervous for the future," Strehlow said. "Now, I can confidently say I've found my path. I believe my younger self would be proud of who I've become. I'm excited to pursue a graduate degree in computer science and take on my future career, and I hope to contribute to breaking boundaries and pushing innovation within the growing field of computer science."