Jonathan Kennen
About Jonathan Kennen
Jonathan Kennen serves as the Chief of the Water Quality Investigations Program at the U.S. Geological Survey, a role he has held since 2021. With a career spanning nearly three decades at the USGS, he specializes in ecological flow and leads multidisciplinary investigations in water quality.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Jonathan Kennen has been employed at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) since 1995. He currently holds the position of Chief of the Water Quality Investigations Program, a role he has held since 2021. In this capacity, he leads initiatives related to the National Water Census, focusing on ecological flow and integrating biological and ecological investigations. Additionally, he serves as a Lead Biologist, contributing to various projects aimed at understanding and improving water quality across the United States.
Education and Expertise
Jonathan Kennen earned his Ph.D. in Fishery Biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where he studied from 1989 to 1993. He also holds a Master of Science in Aquatic Entomology from the same institution, completed between 1987 and 1989. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Environmental Science from Longwood University, obtained from 1982 to 1985. He also completed an Associate of Arts in Biology at Suffolk County Community College from 1980 to 1982.
Previous Positions and Experience
Before his long tenure at the USGS, Jonathan Kennen worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the US Fish and Wildlife Service from 1994 to 1995. He also served as a Visiting Instructor at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry from 1993 to 1994. These roles contributed to his development as a researcher and educator in the fields of ecology and water quality.
Teaching and Mentorship
Jonathan Kennen is actively involved in academia, teaching college-level courses and workshops focused on ecological and statistical topics. He provides guidance to graduate students through advisory committees, sharing his expertise in ecological and statistical research. His commitment to education enhances the learning experience for students and contributes to the development of future professionals in the field.
Contributions to Scientific Community
Jonathan Kennen presents scientific findings at professional meetings, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge in water quality and ecology. His work helps to inform and shape practices within the scientific community, ensuring that research findings reach a broader audience and support advancements in the field.