Scholars
Cassandra Jean
Adaptation International
Based in
United States
North America
Dr. Cassandra Jean (they/she) is an interdisciplinary scholar and practitioner whose expertise resides at the intersection of social science, climate resilience, and environmental justice. With over a decade of experience, their work critically addresses systemic inequities by integrating rigorous research methodologies, community-centered practices, and innovative policy development. Their methodological expertise includes mixed-method research design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and science communication, ensuring that research outcomes are grounded in community sentiments and translate into actionable, equitable solutions.
As a Senior Climate Resilience Specialist at Adaptation International, Dr. Jean partners with schools, universities, government agencies, Tribal communities, and grassroots and non-profit organizations to advance climate adaptation, provide technical assistance, and support disaster resilience initiatives. A champion of inclusive education and engagement, Dr. Jean actively mentors young people and emerging scholars, promoting diversity and advocating for communities and individuals who have historically faced marginalization.
Academically, Dr. Jean earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Adelphi University. At Howard University, Dr. Jean completed a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration and a Ph.D. in Sociology and Criminology. They also held a postdoctoral scholar position at the University of Washington School of Public Health.
Country(ies) of Specialty
United StatesFocus areas of expertise
Communications research Climate Justice Scientific assessments Behavioral actionPublications
Articles
Jean, Cassandra, Tilly E. Hall, and Jamie Vickery. “Intersectionality as a forward-thinking approach in disaster research.” Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Natural Hazard Science. Oxford University Press, 2023. 425. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199389407.013.425
Jean, Cassandra, et al. “The Cascadia Coastal Hazards and Resilience Training, Education, and Research (CHARTER) Fellows Mentoring Model for Underrepresented Students.” International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction 103 (2024): 104315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2024.104315.
Jean, Cassandra, et al. “Bridging underrepresented disaster scholars and national science foundation-funded resources.” Natural Hazards (2024): 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-024-06569-2
Moore, Ashley, et al. “Coastal emergency managers’ risk perception and decision making for the Tonga distant tsunami.” International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction 108 (2024): 104560.
Jean, Cassandra, et al. “Uncovering effects of climate-sensitive health risks on historically marginalized youth in Washington State: creating opportunities for maximum involvement.” Environmental Research: Health 2.4 (2024): 045002. DOI 10.1088/2752-5309/ad6a30
Jean, Cassandra. “WEB Du Bois.” Fifty Key Scholars in Black Social Thought. Routledge, 2024. 92-97. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003315063.
Jean, Cassandra, Graciela Flores, and Amber S. Khan. “Empowering Young Folks in Climate and Environmental Justice and Action. University of Washington.” (2023). https://deohs.washington.edu/edge/empowering-youth-climate-and-environmental-justice-work.
Jean, Cassandra. Suffering and Surviving: An Intersectional Analysis of Vulnerable Communities after the 2017 Hurricane Season. Diss. Howard University, 2021.
Jean, Cassandra, and Dana J. McCalla. “Claiming a seat at the table.” Black Girl Civics: Expanding and Navigating the Boundaries of Civic Engagement (2020): 143.