jordan allen

Jordan Allen

Graduate Student

UMASS Amherst

Pronouns: He/him/his

Jordan’s academic journey started at Savannah State University, where he developed a strong work ethic and a passion for research. He began building his research skills during his first internship at the Medical University of South Carolina summer undergraduate research program, where he studied fecal indicator bacteria to assess the presence of disease-causing viral contamination in recreational waters. This experience provided his first exciting immersion into the world of research. He strived to develop his knowledge and ability to conduct research every summer throughout college, including positions at NASA, Research Experiences in Solid Earth Sciences for Students (RESESS) at UNAVCO, and the Marine Biological Laboratory via the Partnership Education Program (PEP).

As an undergraduate student at a historically Black institution, his experience nurtured his commitment to public service projects and leadership in his community. He with the Environmental Science Club at (SSU), organized programs for the student body such as “Clean the Streams” and “Campus Clean Up.” He worked to educate students on environmental stewardship, hunger prevention, food insecurity, environmental justice, and voter suppression. Such insights motivated him to volunteer at tutoring programs as an Oasis mentor in the Larimer County, Colorado, DHS Children, Youth & Family Division for high-risk youth throughout his master’s degree at Colorado State University, where he earned a M.S. in Ecology. He has also served on the AGU council as the student representative.

Jordan is interested in sustainability and science policy. He recognizes there is an urgent need to address issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and ecosystem degradation. He is dedicated to understanding the intricate relationship between human activities and the environment, seeking to apply scientific principles to create sustainable practices that harmonize societal progress with ecological balance.