SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- As a bio-environmental engineering technician with the 916th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Senior Airman Kiana Ward is a part of the team of Airmen that quietly protects us from environmental dangers.
“In bio-environmental, we’re always looking for things that could negatively impact Airmen, our primary job is protection by prevention,” said Ward.
Her on-duty operations consist of reducing health threats to Air Force personnel and their work environments. It’s a job with a diverse workload and can have her identifying radioactive materials one moment and quantifying pollutants in drinking water the next.
“She’s great to work with because she’s so determined and passionate about the work we do,” said Staff Sgt. Amberly Smith, the health services manager of the 916th AMDS. “She’s always finding ways to help others be better.”
Ward is also a Reserve Citizen Airman who is currently in the seasoning training program. In a model total-force effort, she works with the 4th Aerospace Medicine Squadron to get her on-the-job training. The 4th AMDS is the active-duty bio-environmental engineering office on base.
“She has been instrumental in getting sampling done and quantifying hazards,” said 2nd Lt. Daniel Fishman, commander of the 4th AMDS bio-environmental engineering flight. “She carries herself professionally and has contributed so much to our team.”
When Ward is not serving with the 916th AMDS. She is filling prescriptions and eagerly advising patients. Her job as a pharmacy technician for Atrium Health keeps her busy.
She wants to continue to improve herself; she believes that one day she can become an inspiration to others.
“I want to finish pharmacy school soon,” said Ward. “I strive to one day be in a position where I can mentor other young girls.”
She aspires to start organization for young African-American women that come from backgrounds similar to hers.
“I’m hoping to show them through my Air Force career that we can overcome the incorrect stigmas that surround us and become the best version of ourselves.”