Team

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS 

Jill is a member of the National Neurotrauma Society, American Association of Anatomy, and the Society for Neuroscience as well as a council member for the Atlanta Chapter of Society for Neuroscience. She is affiliated with the Emory Laney Graduate School through the Neuroscience Graduate Program. 

EDUCATION 

Jill is a first-generation college graduate and received her Bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences from Auburn University, where she was a Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Fellow and graduated summa cum laude. Jill then earned a Ph.D. in Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology from the University of Louisville where she was supported by an NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA, F31 predoctoral fellowship) to study the effects of treadmill locomotor training on locomotion, urogenital function, and pain following spinal cord injury in rats. Jill’s post-doctoral training at Emory University was supported by an NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA, F32 postdoctoral fellowship) focused on enhancing peripheral axon regeneration via neuronal activity in various forms, including running exercise, optogenetics, and electrical stimulation, and the role of hormones and sex differences on the effectiveness of these experimental treatments in transgenic mouse models. Jill is the recipient of an Early Career Research Award from the National Center for Medical Rehabilitative Research (NIH/NICHD) and the R.R. Bensley Early-Career Investigator Award in Cell Biology from the American Association of Anatomy. 

Jordan graduated from the University of California, Davis with a B.S. in Genetics and Genomics and a B.A. in Linguistics in 2018 (go Ags!). She is currently a 6th year GMB graduate student in the Ward Lab researching the effects of exercise on the sympathetic nervous system. Outside of lab, Jordan enjoys off-roading in her Jeep, hiking, and lifting weights.

Tina Tian graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a BS in Neuroscience and is a G4 in Emory’s Medical Scientist Training Program. She is studying sympathetic axonal regeneration after peripheral nerve injury. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, painting, playing piano and violin, and playing tennis.

Brittney Ward graduated from Ohio University with a B.S. in Neuroscience and is currently a 2nd-year in Emory’s Neuroscience Graduate Program. She is studying the sympathetic nervous system’s influence on muscle physiology and immune function. In her free time, Brittney enjoys embroidery, exercise, and spending time with friends.

Nikki Boon graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a BS in psychology and a minor in mathematics. She is a 2nd - year in Emory's Neuroscience Graduate program studying the role of the sympathetic nervous system in neurodegenerative diseases and neuromuscular junction health. In her free time, she is a heptathlete on the Emory track and field team, and loves exploring new coffee shops, reading and baking. 

Kate graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2024 with a B.S. in Biology. Shortly after, she joined the Ward lab as a Research Specialist. Fall 2025 she will begin medical school at MCG. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her friends and family in Atlanta.

David graduated from Emory University with a B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. He joined the lab in August 2023 and is researching sympathetic axonal regeneration after peripheral nerve injury. He was a Research Ambassador for Emory’s Undergraduate Research Program and is presenting his research at the 2024 Southeastern Medical Scientist Symposium (SEMSS) at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Outside the lab, David enjoys spending time with his family, playing various sports, and volunteering for hospice patients and disabled individuals. David plans to pursue medical school.

Kevin joined the lab in March 2023. He is currently an undergraduate student at Emory double majoring in Biology and Philosophy. He presented his research on sympathetic axonal regeneration at the 2023 Southeastern Medical Scientist Symposium (SEMSS). Through his research, Kevin has learned immunohistochemistry, several surgical skills, and many other useful techniques. Outside of lab, Kevin enjoys gardening, reading, and rock climbing.