DR. JESSICA WARD (PrincIPAL INVESTIGATOR)
CURRENT STUDENTSJEWEL JOHNSON
KarLY STEINBERG
Leah Turner
LAB ALUMNIMCKENZIE PERSINGER, MS
Grace Carter, MS
CHRIS CROWDER, MS
GINA LAMKA, MS
Hannah TerMARSCH, MS
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Associate Professor of Biology
Jessica completed a PhD in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Toronto, and postdoctoral work at Tulane University and the University of Minnesota. Her research interests lie at the nexus of behavior, evolution, and development but she is easily distracted by shiny new research ideas. She joined the faculty at Ball State University in 2017 and has enjoyed every minute since. Jewel completed a BS-MS dual degree in Biology from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER-TVM), India. He is currently a PhD student at Ball State studying embryonic learning and communication in oviparous fish.
Karly completed a BS at Central Michigan University. She is currently an MS student at Ball State studying the development of embryonic learning in aquatic vertebrates.
Leah completed a BS at Thomas More University. She is currently an MS student at Ball State studying the impacts of early developmental exposure to pharmaceuticals on embryonic learning and cognition in aquatic vertebrates.
Kenzie completed an MS from Ball State in 2024. She studied the transgenerational effects of microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals on early life-stage behaviors in fish. She is now in veterinary school.
Grace completed a BS at Purdue University, and an MS at Ball State studying the independent and synergistic effects of microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals on reproductive behavior and mating decisions in fish. She is now a biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Natural Resources.
Chris completed his BS at the University of Tampa, and his MS at Ball State studying embryonic learning and acquired predator recognition in fish. He is now a PhD student at the University of Central Florida working on the conservation of ecologically and economically important fish species through different habitat restoration techniques.
Gina completed her BS at Central Michigan University, and her MS at Ball State studying the effects of developmental exposure to harmful algal blooms on sensory-motor pathways and predator-prey interactions in larval fish. She is now a PhD student at Auburn University studying conservation genetics.
Hannah completed her BS at Central Michigan University, and her MS at Ball State studying mechanosensory communication during social interactions in freshwater fish. She is now working in STEM in the private sector.
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