Jordan Spuryer is a graduate fellow with Innovate Memphis through the University of Memphis’ Applied Anthropology program. Jordan has led several user-centered research and design activities for our food security and Data Midsouth initiatives. Get to know Jordan’s contributions and insights with our latest Staff Spotlight Q&A.

What brought you to the University of Memphis’ Applied Anthropology program? How does this discipline connect to innovation?

The beginning of my college career was rough—I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take or where I saw myself in the future. That changed when I took my first anthropology course. I was immediately drawn in. Anthropology challenged me to think differently about the world and showed me how research, especially abroad and across interdisciplinary and multinational teams, could be used to create meaningful change.

By the time I graduated, I knew I wanted to continue this path through the Applied Anthropology master’s program at the University of Memphis. The program itself is inherently innovative—one of the first to bridge theoretical and methodological work with real-world problem-solving. For me, innovation means thinking beyond traditional approaches. Anthropology has given me the tools, frameworks, and critical lens to do exactly that.

You’ve done a lot of research with Innovate Memphis’ Data Midsouth team to better understand local data users’ needs and goals. What kinds of insights have you found so far?

Through this work, I’ve learned that many local organizations really want to use data, but it often feels overwhelming or hard to access. A lot of smaller nonprofits told us that data is scattered across too many places or presented in ways that feel too technical for their everyday needs. People also want data that feels grounded in real community context. Numbers alone aren’t enough—they want stories, neighborhood-level insight, and information they can easily share with funders and the communities they serve.

Another big theme is usability. Folks want tools that are simple, intuitive, and don’t require formal data training to navigate. And across the board, trust and transparency matter. Users want to know where the data comes from and feel confident that it reflects their communities accurately. Overall, the insights point to a common goal: data that’s accessible, meaningful, and usable for real-world decision-making.

You’ve also worked with residents and service providers to identify barriers and opportunities related to healthy, affordable food access. How have you used anthropology to capture these perspectives, and how can our community act on them?

When I’ve worked with residents and service providers on food access issues, anthropology has helped me focus on people’s real, everyday experiences—not just the numbers. Through interviews, community conversations, and spending time in neighborhoods, I’ve been able to understand things like transportation challenges, cultural needs and preferences, and what actually feels affordable or accessible to families. These perspectives show that solutions work best when they’re created with the community. That could mean supporting neighborhood-led food projects, making healthy options easier to reach, or ensuring programs reflect the foods people actually want and trust. In conclusion, when we listen to residents and pair their insights with data, our community can design food access strategies that feel practical, respectful, and truly sustainable.

What are some hidden gems in Memphis that more people should know about?

As someone who was born and raised in Memphis, this is actually a tough question—there are so many spots I love. But here are a few of my favorites.

As a frequent runner, the Wolf River Trails are at the top of my list. Even if you’re not a runner, the trails offer miles of beautiful scenery and a real sense of escape. Every time I’m out there, it feels like a break from the noise and pace of the city.

For food, I will always point people to Kwik Check. Their Korean Noodle Soup is my go-to whenever I’m feeling under the weather, and their Bi Bim Bop is incredible. And for something sweet, Sugar Ghost is a must. Their Ube ice cream is my favorite treat.

One more hidden gem is the Egyptian Museum on the University of Memphis campus. A lot of people don’t realize it’s there—and it’s completely free. They even have a real mummy on display!

What are you most excited about working on this school year?

This year, I’m really looking forward to finalizing my practicum report that describes different types of user personas for Data Midsouth. Studying data usability and accessibility within Memphis’ nonprofit sector has been a totally new space for me, but it’s turned out to be incredibly interesting and honestly essential for strengthening how our community grows and makes decisions. I’m also extremely excited (and grateful!) to be working with Angelica Carey (Innovate’s Research Project Manager) on developing Memphis’ Food Systems Council. The Council has representatives from 20+ organizations from food providers and retailers to public and nonprofit agencies to researchers working together to prioritize and act on opportunities to increase access to healthy, affordable foods in Memphis. It’s a much-needed effort, and getting to be part of a group of leaders who genuinely want to improve food access and equity feels really energizing.

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