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Siena R. Ward 

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Education

2024-Present 

Master of Public Health 

Certificate in Public Health Epidemiology 

Florida State University 

4.0 GPA

 

2022-2024

Bachelors in Arts, Anthropology and History 

Kugelman Honors Program 

University of West Florida 

3.95 GPA 

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​​2020-2022

Associates of Arts, History 

Pensacola State College 

4.0 GPA

Research and Experience

University of West Florida – Anthropology Capstone
Health of the Homeless: Navigating Health Disparities in Homeless Populations
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Meredith Marten, Department of Anthropology

Conducted an extensive literature review on the social and structural health disparities in the United States homeless population. Completed a research poster and presented to the UWF Anthropology department.

University of West Florida- 2024 Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Participant
Social and Structural Determinants of Dental Health in a New Mexico Forensic Sample
Faculty mentor: Dr. Allysha Winburn, Department of Anthropology

Our research group compiled a sample of 350 anonymized forensic case decedents with CT imagery from the New Mexico Decedent Imagery Database (NMDID). We analyzed the CT imagery for signs of dental health issues such as antemortem tooth loss, periodontal disease, carious lesions, and calculus formation. Each decedent's next of kin has provided contextual information regarding their gender, race, and socioeconomic status during both childhood and adulthood. We examined correlations between these social variables and the observed dental outcomes, hypothesizing that individuals who experienced social marginalization will show more signs of dental disease than those with more social privilege.

University of West Florida - 2024 Terrestrial Field School
PI: Dr. Ramie Gougeon
 

Extensive experience conducting Phase I survey to Florida standards in tracts slated for controlled burns on land owned by the University of West Florida. Archaeological skills learned included orienteering, pacing, maintaining ST intervals, documenting fieldwork. Additionally, received introductions to remote sensing technologies, photogrammetry, and basic post-field lab procedures.

University of West Florida - History Capstone Project 

The White Plague in Pensacola: Community Responses to Tuberculosis in the 1920s

Faculty Mentor: Dr. John Jenson
 

Gathered over 20 primary sources related to public health and tuberculosis in the 1920s in Pensacola, Florida. Examined community responses to a historical health crisis and their decisions to not implement a tuberculosis sanitorium to combat the spread of the illness. Worked closely with mentor to write an article that is submitted for publication in a historical journal. 

Presentations

Ward, S. (December 2024) Presenting author, poster presentation.

Health of the Homeless: Navigating Health Disparities and Inequalities in Homeless Populations. Anthropology Capstone Presentation. Pensacola, Florida. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Meredith Marten 

Jones, J. & Ward, S. (November 2024) Speaker, podium presentation. In the Wake of Disaster: The Vital Importance of Forensic Anthropologists in Mass Fatality Events. Mountain, Swamp, Beach, Forensic Anthropology Conference. Pensacola, Florida.
 

Ward, S. (October 2024) Presenting author, poster presentation. Living with Leprosy: Psychological and Social Consequences of Stigma in India. National Collegiate Honors Council Annual Conference. Kansas City, Missouri.

Ward, S. (August 2024) Presenting author, poster presentation. Social and Structural Determinants of Dental Health in a New Mexico Forensic Sample. University of West Florida Summer Undergraduate Research Program Symposium. Pensacola, FL. Faculty mentor: Dr. Allysha Winburn.

Ward, S. (October 2023) Presenting author, poster presentation. “Forever Natural”: A PFAS Art Project. University of West Florida No Defense PFAS Symposium. Pensacola, FL. Faculty mentor: Dr. Jocelyn Evans. Co-authors: Kelsey Valente

Leadership

Florida State University- Master of Public Health Student Association 
Historian & Social Media Manager, May 2025- Present 
Serves as the primary point of contact for all outreach across platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, GroupMe, and Nole Central. Creates and distributes promotional materials for events, supports the planning of social and educational activities for both MPH students and the broader campus community, and ensures consistent representation at all MPHSA events and executive board meetings. Documents events through photography and expands student engagement by collaborating with other campus organizations and developing new initiatives to increase visibility and participation.

Florida State University- Public Health Professions Conference
Media & Design Co-Chair December 2024- April 2025
Designed and produced digital marketing materials to promote the public health professions conference with consistent branding and messaging. Collaborated with different planning committees to develop visually compelling materials, including programs, flyers, and other promotional graphics. Coordinated with speakers and sponsors to create content and visuals for promotional use.

University of West Florida- Kugelman Honors Program
Student Mentor, August 2023-December 2024
Offered personalized academic and career guidance to roughly 10 students a semester, assisted in goal setting and problem-solving, and facilitated workshops and support groups to enhance students' personal and professional growth. Fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment through regular check-ins and mentorship activities.

University of West Florida- Honors Council
Secretary, Social Co-Chair, Service Co-Chair, August 2023-December 2024
Maintained accurate records of meetings, coordinated schedules, and facilitated effective communication among team members. Planned and organized social events, managed event logistics, and fostered community engagement and participation. Coordinated community service initiatives, led volunteer recruitment efforts, and collaborated with local organizations to address community needs.

University of West Florida- Resident Hall Association (RHA)
Marketing Coordinator, August 2024-December 2024
Maintained the RHA website and social media accounts, developed and promoted all RHA marketing materials for programs, fundraisers, meetings, and recruitment as well as actively promoted and recruited new members for RHA.

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