Kelly Marie Ward

Kelly Marie Ward is an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the Gender & Women’s Studies and Sociology departments at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is currently on leave for the 2024–2025 academic year. Her campus affiliations include serving as Engagement Hub Advisor for UW Madison’s Collaborative on Reproductive Equity.

Education:
She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine (2020).

Research Focus:
Dr. Ward investigates organizational structures within abortion and reproductive healthcare systems, with specialized attention to low-status workers. Her interdisciplinary approach spans:

• Gender studies and healthcare disparities
• Organizational dynamics in medical settings
• Occupational hierarchies in reproductive services
• Qualitative methodologies in social science research

Awards and Honors:
Her scholarly contributions have been recognized through:

• National Abortion Federation's Carole Joffe and Stanley Henshaw Early Achievement Award
• Society for Family Planning's Emerging Scholars Award

Professional Engagement:
Beyond academia, Dr. Ward co-facilitates UCSF's Abortion Researcher Incubator, serves as a full-spectrum doula supporting reproductive autonomy, and partners with community organizations advancing abortion access and birth justice initiatives.