Kerry Ard

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interests

Dr. Kerry Ard’s research investigates how environmental risks are shaped by social, political, and economic processes, with a focus on how these dynamics contribute to health outcomes. Drawing on sociological frameworks, Dr. Ard examines the full arc of environmental challenges—from their political and regulatory origins to their public health consequences—emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary insights in developing effective solutions. Her work has been used to inform policymakers, including presentations to the U.S. Senate Climate Task Force and citations on the Senate floor during deliberations. She has co-led Ohio State University’s Sustainability Institute’s Smart and Resilient Communities and Race and Sustainability research groups, collaborating with private organizations, such as American Electric Power, to develop industry policies that promote environmental sustainability and community well-being. As a co-PI on a $1.3 million EPA STAR grant, she is analyzing climate-related chemical and non-chemical stressor exposures to assess cumulative health impacts in vulnerable Ohio census tracts. Additionally, Dr. Ard has been elected to leadership positions in both the American Sociological Association and the International Sociological Association’s environmental sections, demonstrating her commitment to advancing research at the intersection of environmental science, policy, and public health.

Featured Research

Young kids who breathe polluted air can fall behind in school, study finds, The Washington Post
Publication: Concentrated poverty, ambient air pollution, and child cognitive development