Stacey Ward

Stacey Ward is a Senior Lecturer in Biological Anthropology at the Australian National University (ANU), part of the School of Archaeology & Anthropology. She holds a PhD from the University of Otago (2019), where she also completed her BA(Hons) and MSc. Her research focuses on ancient Southeast Asian societies, particularly the interplay between health, social inequality, and environmental factors. Notable projects include studies on metallurgists in Thailand, cremation practices in Laos, and bioarchaeological repatriation initiatives. She transitioned to ANU in 2020, emphasizing teaching excellence and innovative pedagogy. Ward has received prestigious teaching awards, including the ANU Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (Early Career, 2022).

Her academic background includes fieldwork across New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Israel, and Peru. She served as a contract archaeologist before her PhD and contributed to repatriation efforts for Indigenous remains in Otago. At ANU, she convenes courses like Human Skeletal Analysis and Forensic Anthropology, prioritizing accessible and inclusive education. Ward’s service roles include undergraduate convenorship for Biological Anthropology, acting head of the School’s Education Committee, and organizer of the Biological Anthropology Seminar series.

Her research spans bioarchaeological education innovations, such as online 3D lab models, and collaborative projects like the Non Ban Jak Thailand study examining health and social stratification. Ward’s outreach activities aim to engage diverse audiences, bridging academic research with public understanding.