Dr. Ward studies the history and archaeology of the Mediterranean/Near East during antiquity and the early medieval period, with a primary focus on the role of the Roman Empire in the Middle East. His current research explores early Christian monasticism and monastic interactions with nomadic populations in the Sinai. Dr. Ward has extensive experience living in the Middle East as both a researcher and archaeologist. He plans to organize a Study Away trip to Jordan in the near future. He recently co-wrote a primary source textbook, Sources for World Societies, for world history survey classes.