Kendra A. Allen
About Kendra A. Allen
Kendra A. Allen is a Graduate Research Assistant at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where she has worked since 2020. She holds a PhD in Energy Science and Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and has extensive experience in research and development across various organizations including 3M and Iowa State University.
Current Role at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Kendra A. Allen serves as a Graduate Research Assistant at Oak Ridge National Laboratory since 2020. In this role, she has developed program operations strategies that encompass planning, fundraising, and brand awareness for the board of directors. Her work involves utilizing systematic and structured thinking approaches for planning, problem-solving, and decision-making to enhance organizational and business strategies.
Previous Experience at 3M
Kendra A. Allen held multiple engineering roles at 3M, including Research and Development Engineer and Manufacturing Technology Engineer. Her tenure at 3M spanned from 2015 to 2018, during which she contributed to various projects in Maplewood, Minnesota, and the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. She worked on optimizing operations and developing innovative solutions within the company's engineering teams.
Educational Background
Kendra A. Allen completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Energy Science and Engineering with a focus on Energy Materials at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, from 2019 to 2023. She also earned a Master's Degree in Bioplastics and Biocomposites from Iowa State University between 2012 and 2014. Her undergraduate studies culminated in a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biological Systems Engineering: Food and Bioprocess Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Leadership Roles in National Society of Black Engineers
Kendra A. Allen has held significant leadership positions within the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). She served as National Finance Chair from 2019 to 2021 and as National Convention Planning Chairperson from 2015 to 2017. In these roles, she was responsible for strategic planning and execution of national events, enhancing the organization's outreach and effectiveness.
Research Experience at Academic Institutions
Kendra A. Allen has extensive research experience in academic settings. She worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at Iowa State University from 2012 to 2017, contributing to various research projects. Additionally, she served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 2011 to 2012, where she gained foundational research skills.