Charissa V. Jones (she/her) is the Outreach and Access Manager for the Oregon State University Extension Outdoor School Program and a scholar-practitioner whose work bridges Black Studies, outdoor and environmental education, Extension and Engagement, and community-engaged scholarship. With more than 20 years of experience spanning formal education, informal learning environments, environmental education, outdoor learning, and community engagement, she is committed to building relationships, fostering belonging, and expanding equitable access to outdoor and educational spaces.

Originally from Suriname, South America, Charissa's work is grounded in a deep interest in how people make meaning of their relationships with land, nature, community, and place. She is particularly interested in how race, gender, culture, power, and history shape experiences of the outdoors and influence who feels welcomed, valued, and represented within environmental and educational spaces.

Charissa earned a Ph.D. in Science Education from Oregon State University, an M.S. in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England, and a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environmental Education from New College of Florida. Her research examines Black Joy, belonging, and community in outdoor spaces, with particular attention to the experiences of Black women and Black gender-expansive people. Drawing from Black feminist traditions, community-engaged methodologies, and qualitative inquiry, she explores how joy functions as a source of meaning-making, resistance, healing, and collective possibility.

Through both scholarship and practice, Charissa works to connect research, policy, and community knowledge to support more equitable educational systems, outdoor recreation opportunities, and public engagement efforts. Her work contributes to conversations about environmental justice, outdoor learning, community engagement, institutional transformation, and the creation of spaces where historically marginalized communities can thrive.

Vices include travel, outdoor exploration, books, frozen (MANGO) margaritas, BRUNCH, Surinaams roti, and music.