Siena R. Ward
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
Internship and Professional Experience
Health Professions Aide- Graduate Advisor for Healthy Noles Peer Educators
Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness (CHAW), Florida State University
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Gives health and wellness presentations to student organizations ranging from 40 to 100 people​
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Helps facilitate leadership meetings for CHAW's peer education groups
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Facilitates Certified Peer Educator training once a semester
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Faciliates Orientation for new peer educators once a semester
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Manages the budget for the organization, creating manages purchase requests and program planning documents
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Intern
Abella Health Clinic
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Created Fall and Summer curricula for the Youth Development Program
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Created marketing and information pamphlets for schools related to the Youth Development Program
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Faciliated volunteer trainging for volunteers teaching the Youth Development Program
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Organized grant information
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Create educational resources for patients related to maternal and sexual health, such as: STIs, prenatal vitamins, breastfeeding, substance use and pregnancy, and stage of pregnancy
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
Ward, S., Perritt, T., & Winburn, A. (November 2024.) Speaker, podium presentation. Oral Health as Evidence of Embodied Social and Structural Inequity in a New Mexico Forensic CT Sample. Mountain, Swamp, Beach Forensic Anthropology Conference. Pensacola, Florida. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Allysha Winburn
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- Public Health Professions Conference
Media & Design Advisor, January 2026- April 2026
Oversaw designs and digital marketing materials used to promote the public health professions conference with consistent branding and messaging. Oversaw two Co-chairs and facilitated regular meetings 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.
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.
Certifications
CPR Certified
American Heart Association
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Certified Peer Educator
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
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Marketing with Canva
Canva
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Certificate in Public Health Epidemiology
Florida State University
Jan. 2026
Nov. 2025
In Progress
Sept. 2025