Jordan Kern

Jordan Kern is an Assistant Professor in the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina State University's College of Engineering. His research advances optimal design and management of energy systems through high-fidelity modeling of bulk electric power systems, simulation of system dynamics under uncertainty and stress, and decision-support for infrastructure investment. Kern holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences and Engineering from UNC-Chapel Hill (2014), an MS in Environmental Sciences and Engineering from UNC-Chapel Hill (2010), and a BS in Environmental Sciences from UNC-Chapel Hill (2007).

Kern's research examines energy system vulnerability to extreme weather events and climate change, with focus areas spanning power grid resilience, renewable energy integration, and climate adaptation strategies. His work informs infrastructure planning and operational decisions through advanced computational modeling of interdependent energy-water systems under climate uncertainty.

Analysis of Kern's publications reveals dominant research themes in climate-energy nexus, grid resilience under extreme weather, and renewable energy integration. His recent work increasingly addresses equity dimensions of energy transitions and develops open-source tools for high-fidelity energy system modeling. Research demonstrates consistent application of stochastic optimization methods to quantify and mitigate climate risks to critical infrastructure.

Kern has received notable recognition including:

• NSF CAREER Award (2022)

His research has been supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Bezos Earth Fund, and State of North Carolina. Kern has served as expert witness for the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce and participated in White House Office of Science and Technology Policy panels on AI applications in energy systems management.