Jordan Oquendo joined the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) in fall 2024 as a graduate student intern, working on research projects related to co-responder units, postsecondary education in prison systems, and a study examining the feasibility and effectiveness of housing a sentencing database in Connecticut. After earning a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Connecticut’s School of Public Policy, with an emphasis in survey research and data analysis, Jordan continued his work with the Institute as a research technician. In this role, he primarily supports the Connecticut Sentencing Commission and the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project.

Jordan brings a multidisciplinary background in psychological science and music, along with experience in writing and quantitative data analysis. He combines these perspectives to look beyond the numbers and understand the broader context behind public policy issues. He is committed to building new connections, expanding his knowledge of public policy, and collaborating with others to make a positive impact in local communities.

Drawing on his background in psychology and growing expertise in criminal justice, Jordan is particularly interested in understanding the factors that contribute to criminal behavior and informing initiatives related to sentencing policy, incarceration and recidivism, racial disparities in the justice system, and traffic stop analysis. Through both quantitative and qualitative research, he hopes to contribute to meaningful policy changes in Connecticut and support IMRP’s ongoing work to improve outcomes across the state. The mental well-being of first responders and the challenges they face in serving their communities are also areas of particular interest to him.