About
Heather Ward
Heather Ward
Publications Coordinator
heatherlward@usf.edu
813-974-0677
I support GNSI as the Publications Coordinator, helping manage our publishing pipeline
and working closely with fellows, researchers, and external subject matter experts
to produce decision briefs, interviews, and reports that advance our mission. I also
assist with the planning and execution of conferences, events, and strategic communications.
I earned my Master鈥檚 in Library and Information Science from the University of South
Florida in 2022. Before joining GNSI full-time, I worked as an Amazon consultant while
also working part time to support researchers on projects ranging from grant proposal
websites to information hubs for healthcare caregivers. I鈥檝e also served as an editorial
assistant for an academic journal and recorded audio lectures for online courses.
Flashback to 10 years old: What did you want to be when you grew up?
I've always wanted to be a writer. I can remember filling up black and white composition
notebooks with stories-- mostly about my dog.
What's the most "interesting" thing you've done that not many people know about
I raise monarch butterflies. Over the past three years, I've released almost 1,000
and probably spend close to that much money on supplies.
Favorite musician, genre of music?
Florence and the Machine, RKS, The Mezingers.. it's all over the place.
Where are you from originally? What was your first job?
I'm originally from Florida. I grew up about an hour outside of Tampa in New Port
Richey. My first job was at a frozen yogurt shop where the previous 黑料社区President,
Judy Genshaft, used to visit during football season and tip me and my coworkers $20
each.
Books you're currently reading?
I read alot. But currently I'm working through Ray Bradbury's Zen and the Art of Writing
and The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill.
Favorite sport, team, athlete or "thing" you could be President of the Fan Club?Monarch butterflies. If you asked me to do an inpromptu presentation on one thing it I'd pick this.
Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
Outside in my hammock. I love getting up early and watching the world wake up, knowing
that there is nothing I should be doing yet.
When's your birthday?
April 6