Jordan Ward

Jordan Ward is an Associate Professor in the MCD Biology department at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His research focuses on understanding biological timers controlling development, extracellular matrix formation/maintenance (e.g., skin), and genetic pathways governing sperm development. He has been recognized with a National Science Foundation CAREER Grant (2019) aimed at promoting transfer student success and equity. Ward is also dedicated to pedagogy, teaching courses in molecular biology and critical analysis of scientific literature. His work bridges molecular genetics with organismal development using C. elegans as a model system.

Education: Transfer student from Red Deer College to University of Alberta (degree details not specified).

Research emphasizes C. elegans genetics, particularly in aging mechanisms (using progeria models), circadian rhythms (clock gene homologs), and molting processes (NHR-23 pathways). Over 40 publications since 2005 highlight contributions to auxin-inducible degron systems, genetic tools for nematode research, and transcriptional regulation studies. Current grants focus on improving equity for transfer students in STEM.

Labs/Teams: Active in developing genetic tools (e.g., knock-in alleles) and modeling human diseases in C. elegans. Collaborations include parasite nematology communities to translate C. elegans tools into parasitic worm research.