Titles

• Graduate Research Fellow, Urban Resilience to Extremes Sustainability Research Network, The New School

Biography

Jen’s research is looking at how increasing average global temperatures and resulting heat-related illness will disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, and low-income communities. She is looking specifically at the associated costs of failing to adequately cool households vis-a-vis heat-related hospitalization in New York City. To inform the development of a social, ecological, and technical systems (SETS) framework, Jennifer will also analyze and review successful approaches, barriers, and exemplary case studies for integrating disciplinary domains and approaches.

Jen Ventrella is a PhD student in the Public and Urban Policy program at the New School, and iis interested in studying the politics of climate change adaptation and the effects of climate-induced migration on economies and livelihoods. She holds a dual MS degree in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Anthropology from Oregon State University, where she studied sensor-based monitoring and evaluation of clean energy technologies for international development programs, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Energy Studies from Union College.

Education

• MS, Mechanical Engineering/Applied Anthropology, Oregon State University
• BS, Mechanical Engineering (minor Energy Studies), Union College