Jess has served her nation for over 25 years as veteran of the United States Army, serving first as an enlisted soldier before commissioning. Her academic focus has been on sociological conceptions of cohesion and social trust as well as morality.

She has presented at Duke University, the Kenan Institute for Ethics, American Sociological Association, and the New Jersey State Police Chiefs Executive Conference, among others.   

Her writing has appeared on the USA Today bestseller list as well as the New York Times At War Blog, Strategy Bridge, and PBS Point of View Regarding War.