CURRICULUM VITAE
About Me
I am a PhD Candidate, Graduate Teaching Assistant and Anatomical Illustrator at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, in the Structural Anatomy and Rehabilitation Sciences program working under the supervision of Scott Maddux, PhD.
My research employs a multidisciplinary approach to investigate climatic adaptation and functional morphology of the human upper respiratory tract. I use computational workflows, medical imaging, and computational fluid dynamics, performed in collaboration with the Dennis Lab at the University of Texas at Arlington, to measure the impacts of variation in nasal anatomy on respiratory airflow
My research interests include functional morphology in the respiratory system, respiratory mechanics and airflow dynamics, geometric morphometrics, medical imaging analysis, evolution and pathobiology, and translational research in respiratory health and healthcare disparities. Additionally, I am interested in computer vision, machine learning, and programming to augment research methodologies utilizing medical imaging data.
I also have a background in fine art, specifically illustration and am a published anatomical illustrator. I am currently developing a collection of anatomical illustrations depicting ecogeographic variation in nasal/ craniofacial anatomy.
Education
In Progress- Ph.D. Biomedical Science – Structural Anatomy and Rehabilitation Sciences
University of North Texas Health Science Center- Fort Worth, Texas
Committee: Scott Maddux (Chair), Rachel Menegaz, Lauren Gonzales, Brian Dennis, Denise Inman
2021- M.S. Medical Sciences – Research Track
University of North Texas Health Science Center- Fort Worth, Texas
Assessing Ecogeographic Variation in the Nasal Passages Utilizing 3D Semilandmarks
Committee: Scott Maddux (Chair), Rachel Menegaz, Emma Handler
2018- B.S. Biology
University of Texas at Arlington- Arlington, Texas
2012- B.F.A. Drawing
University of Texas at Arlington- Arlington, Texas
Research Interests
Human Anatomy
Geometric Morphometrics
Functional Morphology
Medical Physics- Medical Imaging and Imaging Analysis
Evolution and Pathobiology
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Medical Research
Publications
Journal Articles
Kim, S., L.A. Ward, L.N. Butaric, S.D. Maddux. (2023). Human maxillary sinus size, shape, and surface area: Implications for structural and functional hypotheses
Kim, S., L.A. Ward, L.N. Butaric, S.D. Maddux. 2022. Ancestry-based variation in maxillary sinus anatomy: Implications for health disparities in sinusitis. Anatomical Record. 305:18-36.
Conference Abstracts
Ward, Lyndee A.1, Hasintha K Patabendige2, Elizabeth O. Cho1, Todd R. Yokley3, Brian H. Dennis2, and Scott D. Maddux1. 2023. Climatic adaptation in the human nose: An investigation using 3D morphometrics and computational fluid dynamics. Texas Association of Biological Anthropology Annual Meeting. Fort Worth, TX.
Ward, Lyndee A., Patabendige, H.A.K., Nair, V.C., Mitchell, D.R., Cho, E.O., Yokley, T.R., Dennis, B.H., Maddux, S.D. Anthroengineering and the human nose: Investigating climatic adaptation using 3D morphometrics and computational fluid dynamics. American Association of Biological Anthropologists Annual Conference.
Tran, B., Ward, L.A., Patabendige, H.A.K., Nair, V.C., Mitchell, D.R., Cho, E.O., Yokley, T.R., Dennis, B.H., Maddux, S.D. 2023. Modeling airflow during the nasal cycle in 3D: Implications for variation in human nasal form and function. American Journal of Biological Anthropology. Volume 180( S75). Pg 177.
McCullough, J.D., Ward, L.A., Cho, E.O., Maddux, S.D. 2023. Investigating Associations Between Asthma and Nasal Anatomy: Implications for Health Disparities. 18th Annual Texas Conference on Health Disparities.
Ward, Lyndee A., Thai, E., Yokley, T.R., Maddux, S. 2021. Three-dimensional Morphometric Assessment of Ecogeographic Variation in the Soft-tissue Nasal Airway. Texas Association of Biological Anthropology Annual Meeting.
Cho, E.O., L.A. Ward, H.K. Patabindige, B.H. Dennis, and S. D. Maddux. 2022. Nasal Morphology and Respiratory Airflow Physiology: Implications in Asthma. June 13. American Association for Clinical Anatomists Annual Meeting.
Tran, B., Ward, L.A., Thai, E., Maddux, S.D. 2022. An in silico method for modeling the nasal cycle in 3D: Implications for assessing human nasal form and function. American Association of Biological Anthropologist Annual Conference.
Ward, Lyndee A., Thai, E., Maddux, S. Assessing Ecogeographic Variation in the Nasal Passages Utilizing 3D Semilandmarks. February 2021. UNTHSC Research Appreciation Day.
Awards
Academic Awards
Dean’s Award for Scholarly Achievement (Specialized MS program)
University of North Texas Health Science Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 2021
Outstanding Graduate Student in the Medical Science Research Track
University of North Texas Health Science Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 2021
Dean’s List Award 2012
University of Texas at Arlington, 2012
Research Awards
2nd Place Doctoral Student Podium Presentation
Texas Association Biological Anthropologists Annual Meeting ($50),
Fort Worth, TX. 2023.
UNTHSC Interprofessional Award
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Research Appreciation Day ($250),
UNTHSC, 2021
2nd Place Poster Presentation Award- Structural Anatomy & Rehabilitation Sciences
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Research Appreciation Day ($200),
UNTHSC, 2021
Presentations
Ward, Lyndee A.1, Hasintha K Patabendige2, Elizabeth O. Cho1, Todd R. Yokley3, Brian H. Dennis2, and Scott D. Maddux1. 2023. Climatic adaptation in the human nose: An investigation using 3D morphometrics and computational fluid dynamics. Texas Association of Biological Anthropology Annual Meeting. Fort Worth, TX.
Ward, Lyndee A., Scott D. Maddux. 2023. Climatic Adaptation in the human nose: experimentally investigating influences of bony and soft-tissue morphology on airflow dynamics in living humans. PhD Student Research Proposal Seminar. University of North Texas Health Science Center. Fort Worth, TX.
Ward, L.A., Maddux, S.D. 2023 Investigating the influences of climate and exercise on nasal anatomy and airflow. UNTHSC 1st Annual 3MT Competition. Fort Worth, TX
Ward, L.A., Patabendige, H.A.K., Nair, V.C., Mitchell, D.R., Cho, E.O., Yokley, T.R., Dennis, B.H., Maddux, S.D. 2023. Anthroengineering and the human nose: Investigating climatic adaptation using 3D morphometrics and computational fluid dynamics. American Association of Biological Anthropologists Annual Conference. Reno, NV
Ward, L., Thai, E., Maddux, SD. 2021. Assessing Ecogeographic Variation in the Nasal Passages Utilizing 3D Semilandmarks. UNTHSC Research Appreciation Day. Fort Worth, TX.
Teaching Experience
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Summer 2023
Lecturer- Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP)- Neuroendocrine Anatomy
2021- Present
Graduate Teaching Assistant- Medical Sciences Human Gross Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences
2022-Present
Graduate Teaching Assistant- Human Gross Anatomy Lab, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
2020- Present
Graduate Teaching Assistant- PA Pre-mat Anatomy Lab Summer Workshop
Graduate Teaching Assistant- TCOM/DPT Pre-mat Anatomy Lab Summer Workshop
Fall 2020
Graduate Teaching Assistant - Health Disparities
Conferences and Workshops
Conferences
2023- Texas Association of Biological Anthropologists Annual Meeting. Fort Worth, TX
2023- 18th Annual Texas Conference on Health Disparities. Fort Worth, TX
2023- American Association of Biological Anthropology Annual Conference. Reno, NV
2023- Research Appreciation Day. UNTHSC. Fort Worth, TX
2022- Texas Association of Biological Anthropologists Annual Meeting. Austin, TX
2022- Association of Clinical Anatomists Annual Conference. Fort Worth, TX
2021- Tomography for Scientific Advancement North America Conference
2021- Research Appreciation Day. UNTHSC. Fort Worth, TX.
2020- 15th Annual Texas Conference on Health Disparities
2019- 14th Annual Texas Conference on Health Disparities
2019- UTA STEM Conference: Breaking Down Barriers in STEM
Workshops and Trainings
Tomography for Scientific Advancement Dragonfly Workshop 2021
ToScA- North America- University of Texas- AustinUTCT Short Course on CT data acquisition, visualization, and analysis 2020
High-Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography Facility Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas – AustinTechnical Skills
Adobe Creative Suite
Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Dimension ProficientProcreate
ProficientThermo-Fischer Scientific Avizo and Amira
AdvancedObjects Research Science- Dragonfly
IntermediateFIJI, Image J
Intermediate3D Slicer
IntermediateBlender
IntermediateGeomagic Studio
BeginnerR Studio
Geomorph AdvancedProfessional Society Membership
2021- Present American Association for Anatomy
2021- Present American Association of Physical Anthropologists
2021- 2022 American Association of Clinical Anatomists
2022- Present Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers: Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society
Certifications
Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS), Current
Human Subjects in Research Certification, Current
Healthcare Provider Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Current
enCORE Operator Certification, Current
Radiation Safety, Current
Lab Animal Research, Current
Suicide Training Certification (QPR), Current
Health Information Privacy and Accountability Act Certification, Current
Adult and Child First Aid, CPR, AED Certification, 2020
Certified Pharmacy Technician, 2006
Certified Patient Care Technician, 2006
Service
2022- North Texas Future City Competition, Judge
2021-Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences Coating Ceremony, Photographer
2021- Texas Community College Anatomy Lab Tour
2020- Fort Worth Sewing Community Face Mask Drive
2020- Tarrant County COVID-19 Hotline Operator
2020- Animal Rescue Coalition Rescue Supplies Drive
2019-2021- MIND Mental Health Podcast
2019- Present- Mental Health Crisis Companion
2019- 2021- Humane Society of North Texas
2019- American Heart Association Heart Walk Volunteer
2019- Big Brothers and Big Sister’s Clay Shootout
2019- UNTHSC Graduate School of Biomedical Science Service Day
2018- 2019 Independent K-12 Math and Science Tutor
2015- 2017- Fort Worth Sheathens Giving and Support Initiatives
2016- Free Family Photography Initiative
2016- Walk for Cystic Fibrosis
Employment
Freelance Designer
2011-Present
L. Ward Creative
K-12 Tutor
2019
Tutor Doctor
Medical Scribe
2017-2019
DocAssist