Jen has a B.S. in Environmental Biology & Zoology from Michigan State University. She studied integrated pest management and functional ecology in cherry and apple orchards across the state. Upon graduating, she served as an AmeriCorps Volunteer for the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program where she developed a passion for working with people to manage land for conservation of natural resources and improvement of water quality in the Great Lakes.

Prior to working for MIFFS, Jennifer worked at Conservation Districts as a technician for the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). This job provided her with the opportunity to work in an office that was co-located in a USDA Service Center and assist producers wishing to access Farm Bill programs through USDA. In this position, she provided free technical assistance to help producers of all sizes, commodities and stages of production, farm more sustainably and voluntarily comply with environmental regulations while remaining economically viable. She has worked closely with multiple government agencies and non-profits including: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Rural Development, USDA Farm Service Agency, Michigan State University Extension, local units of government, food policy councils and multiple commodity groups.