L. Monique Ward

L. Monique Ward is an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the Department of Communication and Media. Her research focuses on media's impact on gender, race, and body image, particularly among adolescents and young adults. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Media from UCLA.

Key research areas include media influences on racial identity, gender stereotypes, and the psychological consequences of sexual objectification. She has been recognized with the Arthur F. Thurnau Professorship, highlighting her excellence in teaching and research.

Dr. Ward's work explores how media shapes beliefs about femininity, masculinity, and racial stereotypes, with recent studies examining online discrimination against Black emerging adults and the long-term effects of childhood media exposure on body image. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges psychology, communication, and sociology.

She is involved in departmental initiatives such as award programs for Communication and Media majors, emphasizing student support and academic excellence. Her research also addresses digital media's role in sexual health, relationship dynamics, and mental well-being among diverse populations.