Dr Stacey Ward

Stacey completed her BA(Hons) in Anthropology at the University of Otago and while there, she discovered the magic of bioarchaeology. She went on to complete an MSc and a PhD (2019) at the same institution. In between degrees, Stacey worked as a contract archaeologist in Australia and New Zealand, and she has archaeological and bioarchaeological field experience in New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Israel and Peru. Following the completion of her PhD, Stacey was employed by the University of Otago to assist with the repatriation of Indigenous skeletal remains. She joined the Australian National University as a lecturer in late 2020.

Stacey's research has focused primarily on life in ancient Southeast Asia. Previous projects include an investigation of heavy metal exposure among early Bronze Age metallurgists in Thailand, characterising cremation practices in historic Laos, and exploring the relationship between health and social inequality in Iron Age Thailand. Stacey's current research is focusing on improving teaching and learning in bioarchaeology.

Stacey is passionate about teaching. She currently convenes BIAN2015/6517 (Human Skeletal Analysis), BIAN2128/6515 (Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology) and BIAN3125/6512 (Ancient Health and Disease). In 2021, Stacey received the College of Arts and Social Sciences Award for Teaching Excellence (Early Career). In 2022, she was awarded an Australian National University Vice Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence (Early Career).

Stacey's service roles include the undergraduate convenorship for the Biological Anthropology major, acting head of the School of Archaeology and Anthropology Education Committee, and organiser of the Biological Anthropology Seminar series. Stacey also designs and leads outreach activities for people of all walks of life.

BA(Hons), MSc, PhD

• Investigating how ancient human health is impacted by social changes such as the rise of social inequality in prehistoric and protohistoric Southeast Asia
• Bioarchaeology education
• Repatriation of ancestral human remains