Rebecca Jordan

Rebecca Jordan is a Professor and Chairperson in the Department of Community Sustainability at Michigan State University (MSU), where she has been since August 2018. She holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a focus on Psychology, a Ph.D., and a Master’s in Organismal Biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her postdoctoral work included fellowships at Princeton University and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Prior to MSU, she served as faculty at Rutgers University.

Her research centers on understanding how individuals engage with scientific data, particularly in environmental decision-making contexts. This includes studies on causal reasoning among students, citizen scientists, and the public. Key areas of interest include participatory modeling, systems thinking, and the role of education in fostering resilience and environmental stewardship.

Dr. Jordan is affiliated with the Center for PFAS Research and contributes to initiatives within the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Her work has been supported by grants, including over $400,000 awarded for systems-thinking research. She has advised projects linking environmental identity, community engagement, and sustainable practices.

Her publications explore topics such as framing effects in citizen science, participatory modeling tools, and the social-ecological dynamics of urban environments. She advocates for inclusive approaches to science education and community-driven environmental solutions.