Content expertise: genetics, personalized medicine, cell biology, the immune system, viruses, applied energy (how we use it in daily life), exhibit technology and digital integration in exhibits, women in science.

Dr. Ward has been at the Museum since 1999 and provides broad science leadership across the Museum’s exhibition activities by developing partnerships with resources such as universities and other research organizations to coincide with the Museum’s efforts to bring current, relevant science content to the general public and our school audiences. MSI exhibit projects include Genetics: Decoding Life; Future Energy Chicago, a technology-based virtual simulation that allows guests to design a more energy conscious city; and YOU! The Experience, a hands-on exhibit on human health and wellness. Ward holds a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Chicago.

Dr. Ward has been interviewed for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and many local television and radio outlets. She has also been profiled by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) magazine, as well as spoken at the AAAS annual conference on using digital games to encourage youth engagement in science. Ward has been a panelist at the Chicago Humanities Festival on the topic of exhibit development and presented at the Northwestern University Stem Cell Symposium about interpreting science for a general audience.