John Jasen, Director of IT

Quick Chat With John Jasen

Originally from central New York and now based in Pasadena, Maryland, John Jasen has been director of IT in the department since March 2023, bringing a career rooted in research computing, cybersecurity and higher education technology.

Before joining the University of Maryland, he worked at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as IT Security Lead for the NASA Center for Climate Simulation, home to one of NASA’s largest supercomputing environments focused on climate and Earth system science.

He continues to apply that large-scale systems experience to supporting research and technology needs across the department.

How would you explain your role in one sentence?

I'm one of the people who keeps the computers working.

What do you like most about your role?  

Delivering solid IT services and support for the organization requires a fair bit of resourcefulness, persistence, and creativity. 

What’s a pet peeve you have at work? 

UMD or DivIT unfunded mandate of the week. 

What do you do to help you recharge?

I’m about five to six years in on trying to re-nature my yard, so when I need to recharge I can either break out the gardening tools or I can just sit and observe the space I’ve created. Given half a chance, that’s where you’d find me in the evenings or on the weekends.

Photo courtesy of John Jasen

Close-up portrait of a man with short brown hair and round glasses, wearing a dark plaid button-up shirt and a black smartwatch. He is sitting at a wooden desk with his arms crossed, looking forward with a neutral expression.