Jessica O'Brien

STEM leader and scientist with 19+ years driving programs, compliance, and cross-functional teams across higher education, energy, and environmental science.

Former

Director of Environmental & Regulatory Compliance and oil company co-owner. Expert in technical leadership, online learning, and translating complex science into action.

Subject Matter Expert & Guest Speaker - National Laboratory of the Rockies

• Deliver expert presentations on STEM, energy systems, occupational health, and regulatory compliance for interdisciplinary professional audiences
• Translate complex technical and regulatory concepts into accessible, actionable insights for researchers, practitioners, and industry stakeholders
• Contribute applied expertise in agrivoltaics, climate resilience, workforce development, operational risk, and emerging energy technologies

Professor of Physical Science - Cerro Coso Community College

• Design and facilitate college-level physical science courses via Canvas, incorporating authentic assessments and continuous instructional improvement
• Translate complex scientific concepts into accessible online learning experiences while maintaining academic rigor and measurable outcomes
• Evaluate learner performance data to identify needs, deliver targeted feedback, and drive ongoing improvements to the learner experience

Adjunct Faculty - Upper Iowa University

• Facilitate interdisciplinary courses connecting environmental science, sustainability, policy, and organizational systems for undergraduate and adult learners
• Guide critical thinking, evidence evaluation, and real-world application of STEM concepts through structured discussion and active learning
• Deliver individualized feedback that promotes engagement, practical application, and learner success

Program Director - California Renewable Energy Laboratory

(2025)

• Led interdisciplinary programs spanning technical experts, educators, industry partners, and workforce development initiatives from 2025
• Coordinated cross-functional teams and SME networks to advance educational programming, applied research, and technical knowledge exchange
• Applied stakeholder management, operational decision-making, and continuous improvement across complex multi-partner initiatives

Co-Owner & Operator - Independent Oil Production Company, California - California

(2018 - 2023)

• Co-owned and operated a California oil production company (2018–2023), overseeing operations, environmental compliance, regulatory obligations, and business strategy in a highly regulated environment

Director of Environmental & Regulatory Compliance - E&B Natural Resources - California and Louisiana

• Directed environmental and regulatory compliance across CA and LA operations — leading permitting, risk mitigation, consultant teams, and executive-level stakeholder engagement

Additional Technical & Leadership Roles - Various Organizations

19+ years of progressive experience across environmental management, occupational safety and health, energy, renewable energy, agriculture, mining, and heavy industry. Experience includes people and program leadership, regulatory compliance, risk assessment, emergency and operational preparedness, environmental and safety management systems, professional education, process improvement, and collaboration with technical, executive, regulatory, academic, workforce, and community stakeholders.

• Held progressive technical and leadership roles across environmental science, occupational health, energy, research, and regulatory compliance over 19+ years

Master of Public Health - Public Health - Brown University (2026)

Master of Science - Environmental Science - Louisiana State University

Master of Legal Studies - Energy & Environmental Law and Policy - Texas A&M University (2023)

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Management - Columbia Southern University

Bachelor of Science - Occupational Safety and Health - Columbia Southern University