Research Summary
My research is broadly focused on Women's Health and includes improving contraceptive care and access and behavior across the menstrual cycle.
Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, College of Nursing, University of Utah. Project: Provider Trends in Misoprostol Use for IUD Insertion
- Master of Science, College of Nursing, University of Utah. Project: The Intrauterine Device: Rethinking Old Paradigms
- BSN, College of Nursing , University of Utah
- PhD Candidate , Anthropology, University of Utah. Project: Exploring cycle changes related to luteal phase parenting adaptations
Biography
Dr Ward is Professor (Clinical) in the Division of Health Systems and Community Based Care at the University Of Utah College Of Nursing. She received her Baccalaureate, Master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Utah.
Career Highlights
Dr. Ward has established herself as an expert and local resource in family planning, abnormal pap management, chronic pelvic pain, and sexual health. She is the former Executive Director of MS and DNP Programs at the University of Utah college of Nursing and was previously the Director of the Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program. Dr Ward maintains a clinical practice with BirthCare HealthCare as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.
Dr Ward had been teaching at the University of Utah since 2000. She Is the recipient of the University of Utah College of Nursing’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 2006, the Utah Nurse Practitioner’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 2009, the University of Utah College of Nursing’s Outstanding Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2010 and Sigma Theta Tau International Excellence in Leadership award in 2013, the ACNM Excellence in Teaching Award in 2013 and the Excellence in Clincal Practice award in 2020.
She has recently returned to school seeking a PhD in Biological Anthropology with an emphasis on studying behavioral changes across the menstural cycle.