Originally from Western Wisconsin, Jaren studied Natural Resources Science and Management at the University of Minnesota (College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resources Science), where he received a Master of Science degree with an emphasis on Economics, Policy, Management, and Society. Jaren's primary areas of research have focused on analyses and adaptations of foundational and forward-looking values frameworks (primarily in water and food systems), public and private involvement in communities, perceptions of ecological risks, awareness of issues, and perceptions of community capacity to adapt to climate change.