Dr. Tracey Ward is a Professor of Medicinal and Medical Biochemistry at Ferris State University, bringing over 23 years of teaching experience and multiple meritorious achievement awards. Her research focuses on the design and evaluation of novel molecules, especially PPAR dual agonists, for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NASH), and Cancer. She holds a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from Wayne State University and is recognized as an innovator with three United States patents in these therapeutic areas.

Dr. Ward’s laboratory is at the forefront of biomedical research, with one of her patented compounds currently in pre-clinical trials. Her molecules have demonstrated significant cognitive benefits and reversal of disease pathologies and phenotypes. She is committed to mentoring students through collaborative research, contributing actively to scientific literature, and presenting findings at conferences nationwide.

Outside the lab and classroom, Dr. Ward is dedicated mother of two daughters attending the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She enjoys reading, playing piano, time by the lake, and walking her dog.  Her lifelong passion of pharmacognosy and natural medicine recently inspired Dr. Ward to found Dr. Wards Blends, a nutritional supplement company focused on high-quality natural products for common medical concerns. Her broad expertise in pharmaceutical sciences, education and entrepreneurship enriches her teaching and writing with unique perspective and energy.

Dr. Ward is deeply grateful for those who have influenced her journey, especially her mentor Dr. Patrick Woster and her parents, Linda and Richard Ward, who instilled in her integrity and a quest for truth.  Guided by her belief that “Where much is given, much is expected,” Dr. Ward strives to share the knowledge God blessed her with to elevate and enrich the lives of others.