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- Austin

UTCT Short Course on CT data acquisition, visualization, and analysis 2020

High-Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography Facility Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas – Austin

Technical Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Dimension Proficient

Procreate

Proficient

Thermo-Fischer Scientific Avizo and Amira

Advanced

Objects Research Science- Dragonfly

Intermediate

FIJI, Image J

Intermediate

3D Slicer

Intermediate

Blender

Intermediate

Geomagic Studio

Beginner

R Studio

Geomorph Advanced

Professional 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