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Emory University School of Medicine
Department of Cell Biology

The Ward Lab

The Ward Lab is part of the Department of Cell Biology

Welcome to the Ward Lab

Jill Ward, PhD
Dr. Jill Ward, Assistant Professor

Our Research

Enhancing axon regeneration is a primary therapeutic target for the improvement and restoration of function after nervous system injuries, such as spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries. Axons in peripheral nerves have a limited ability to regenerate and can be enhanced with activity-based therapies, such as locomotor training. We aim to investigate how these activity-based therapies enhance regeneration leading to improved function and quality of life after spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries. The lab's current interests are investigating translatable therapeutics targets to enhance axon regeneration and improve neural repair. We are also investigating plasticity within the sympathetic nervous system after neural injury and skeletal muscle metabolic health.



Honors, Awards and Fellowships

2026: Neuroscience PhD student Brittney Ward has been awarded a 2-year American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship for her project on how sympathetic nervous system dysfunction after spinal cord injury alters skeletal muscle metabolism and circadian rhythms. Her proposal received a top-ranked score (0.58%) nationally! Brittney is a 3rd year Neuroscience PhD student in the Ward Lab.

2025: Dr. Ward received new funding from Johns Hopkins University through the Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center. Her grant is titled, “Mechanisms and consequences of post-ganglionic sympathetic axon regeneration following injury”.

2025:​ Dr. Ward was named to NIH Executive Committee for NeuroTrauma PREclinical CDE & Data Standards (NT-PRECEDS). The NT-PRECEDS Executive Committee plays a pivotal role in setting the standards that will shape how preclinical SCI research is conducted, reported, and translated.​​

2025: Graduate student Nikki Boon made history in August 2025 when she earned the "World's Greatest Athlete" title after claiming the 2025 Women's Decathlon World Championship title in Geneva, Ohio. She also made history on March 15, 2025 as she became the first-ever national champion in the indoor pentathlon in Emory University history as the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championship.​​

2024: Dr. Ward received the Emory Seeds to Pursue Diverse Funders pilot grant titled, “High-Resolution EMG for Motor Units following Spinal Cord Injury,” in collaboration with Sam Sober, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biology, Emory College of Arts and Sciences.​

2023: Dr. Ward was nominated to the Scientific Advisory Board for ​The International Symposium for Neural Repair.​

2022: Dr. Ward was honored with the R.R. Bensley Award in Cell Biology from the American Association for Anatomy.

2021: Dr. Ward received the Emory School of Medicine "Hidden Gem Award."

2021: Pilot Award. Emory Specialized Center of Research Excellence on Sex Differences.

2019: Early Career Research Award. NIH/NICHD National Center for Medical Rehabilitative Research. 

2019: Certificate Program in Translational Research. Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance. National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health. 

2014: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award. F32 Post-doctoral fellowship, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

2010: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award. F31 Pre-doctoral fellowship, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.