Ashlen Francisco is currently a PhD candidate at the Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle. Ashlen's research is utilising predominantly archival materials to provide a “comprehensive investigation of the Board's activities and subsequent effects on the lives and families of Aboriginal people in NSW”. As a Wiradjuri person, this project is important to Ashlen on both a personal and academic level. In her past experience, Ashlen had the opportunity to develop skills in research strategy and implementation within institutions such as the Kimberley Land Council and the Australian Human Rights Commission and has worked with the Koori Justice Unit in Victoria on a social and emotional well-being community research project in coordination with Deakin University.