LaMecia Ward

LaMecia Ward is a first-year Ph.D. student and a UC Merced Chancellor’s Excellence Fellow with research interests in minority mental health, social determinants of health, and social epidemiology. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences, emphasizing community nutrition, health, and wellness, and her Master of Public Health, focusing on health promotion from California State University, Fresno. Ward has gained valuable experience through her previous work, collaborating with passionate individuals to drive meaningful changes in minority health throughout Fresno County. As a Research Associate, she worked closely with local leadership organizations and community-based institutes to develop initiatives aimed at amplifying marginalized voices and addressing the needs of underserved populations. These experiences deepened her understanding of how social determinants of health shape individual well-being and strengthened her commitment to using research to uplift underserved voices and promote healthier living conditions in the Central Valley. As a Ph.D. student, Ward seeks to build on her experience in community health and research to explore how race, social support, and environmental factors intersect to influence health outcomes, particularly within the African American population. Her primary research centers on addressing mental health disparities by investigating the impact of social determinants, such as healthcare access, environmental conditions, and cultural influences on the mental well-being of underserved populations. Through her work, she aims to bridge the gap between research and community needs, advocating for data-driven policies that promote health equity in the Central Valley. Ultimately, Ward aspires to use her research to foster meaningful change and contribute to healthier, more supportive communities for marginalized groups. A Central Valley native, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying physically active, and discovering new adventures.