Lauren Ward
Chapel Hill
Summary
Resourceful Graduate Research Assistant passionate about advancing knowledge in Nuclear Physics through high-quality research. Self-motivated professional with excellent communication, planning and problem solving abilities.
Efficient Research Assistant with success in independent and team-driven research environments. Proven public speaking skills and experienced in presenting research at conferences.
Articulate professional with substantial experience in assisting professors and supporting students. Skilled in curriculum development and assessment with understanding of different learning styles and abilities. Smart and committed to creating safe and inclusive learning environment.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Teaching Assistant
UNC Chapel Hill
05.2021 - 12.2025
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
- Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
- Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
Research Assistant
UNC Chapel Hill
03.2021 - 12.2025
- Recorded data and maintained source documentation following good documentation practices.
- Contributed to professionally-written scientific paper for publication.
- Planned, modified and executed research techniques, procedures and tests.
- Performed experiments and conducted research to study impacts of nuclear reaction data on astrophysics simulations of stellar events.
Math and Physics Tutor
Holy Cross College
Notre Dame, IN
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Used positive reinforcement, repetition, and review to help students master challenging material.
- Explained math and physics concepts in caring and encouraging environment to help students thrive and learn.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Notre Dame University
Notre Dame, IN
08.2015 - 01.2021
- Recorded data and maintained source documentation following good documentation practices.
- Planned, modified and executed research techniques, procedures and tests.
- Coordinated and managed laboratory projects and experiments.
- Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
Education
Master of Science - Nuclear Physics
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill01-2025
Bachelor of Science - Physics
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN01-2021
Skills
- Research program planning
- Skilled in Python and R development
- Statistical analysis
- Data analysis
- Scientific writing
- Tutoring and mentoring
- Group and individual instruction
Accomplishments
- Earned recognition in peer-reviewed publication of Impact of Thermonuclear Reaction Rate Uncertainties on the Identification of Presolar Grains from Classical Novae, Lauren Ward et al 2025 ApJ 986 10
- Collaborated with experts at Argonne Labs to train and advise students at the Nuclear Target Development Summer School of 2024.
- Presented research on the Impact of Neutron Induced Fission on r-process Nucleosynthesis Calculations at the APS: Division of Nuclear Physics Conference 2020.
- Revitalized the Society of Physics Students by increasing club membership over 50% and developing 3 new yearly events such as Trebuchet Building and Halloween Themed Physics Outreach
Timeline
Teaching Assistant
UNC Chapel Hill
05.2021 - 12.2025
Research Assistant
UNC Chapel Hill
03.2021 - 12.2025
Math and Physics Tutor
Holy Cross College
01.2018 - 01.2021
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Notre Dame University
08.2015 - 01.2021
Master of Science - Nuclear Physics
University of North Carolina
Bachelor of Science - Physics
University of Notre Dame