Jessica Y. Allen, PhD

Jessica Y. Allen, PhD, is an educator, researcher, and a mother. Her daughter was diagnosed with NEC a few weeks after birth and is now living with Short Bowel Syndrome. Jessica’s background and academic work are deeply shaped by her lived experience as a parent navigating pediatric intestinal failure, and she is committed to ensuring the voices of patients and families are heard, valued, and reflected in research and care. With expertise in developmental and health psychology and gerontology, Jessica focuses on quality of life for individuals with complex medical conditions and their caregivers across the lifespan. Her work is grounded in close collaboration with patient and caregiver communities, particularly in the rare disease space. She also brings expertise in grief and bereavement, supporting families across the full continuum of complex medical conditions.