Jeanette Jones Biography

Interests

Environmental biohazard, Bio-films; the role of opportunistic infectious agents in the etiology of chronic disease

 

Biography

Dr. Jeanette Jones is a native of Fort Valley, Georgia and has provided more than 28 years of committed and dedicated service to Alabama A&M University (Huntsville, AL) in various capacities as the first female Vice President of the University and the first female Vice President for Research and Development from 1989-1996. She holds the position of Professor, specializing in Medical Mycology, and is currently President of the Faculty Senate and Faculty Trustee on the University Board of Trustees and Senior Advisor to the University President. In these capacities she provided effective and productive executive leadership in program development, research development, leadership development, student development, faculty mentoring and in developing research and training programs to attract females and minorities in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering. Dr. Jones received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology/education from Fort Valley State University (Ga.), and the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Botany/Mycology/Medical Mycology from The Ohio State University in Columbus. A tireless advocate of science and health education, she pursued further study in diverse areas from the University of Nevada, University of California Medical School (San Francisco), National Centers for Disease Control-Atlanta, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge) and others. Her quest for knowledge and desire to serve has led her to travel to most of the states in the United States of America and 6 of the 7 world continents to present papers, tour and/or consult. A full professor of biology at Alabama A&M University, her productive affiliation with the university spans back to 1976, when she joined as an assistant professor of biology. She is a published author and has been awarded millions in research and sponsored programs for which she served as the principal investigator. Dr. Jeanette Jones, a specialist in Medial Mycology, has spent more than 30 years conducting research on pathogenic fungi that affect human health, with a particular focus on Candida species and other fungi found in both the indoor and outdoor environments. Her current activities include laser and photoelectron control of environmental fungi and spores. She is the Director of the Center of Biomedical, Environmental and Behavioral Research, a center supported by NIH-EARDA and DOE Environmental Technology grants. She has provided mycological testing services to industry around Huntsville and is a prolific grant/proposal developer. She is particularly interested in multidisciplinary research and training in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines and lends her expertise to several national scientific and educational organizations in activities designed to recruit and train women and minorities in STEM disciplines. In her role as a member of the US Army Science Board she has coauthored studies on chemical and biological warfare, institutionalization of innovative organizations, survival and sustainability of future workforce. She is actively involved in local, state, national, and international affairs related to her profession and her global interests. Her expertise has been called upon by the National Institutes of Health, where she serves as the chair of a proposal review committee and is an NIH Extramural Associate; the National Science Foundation, where she served on the Committee of Visitors and chaired several review committees, and The American Institute for Biological Sciences where she serves on the NEON (National Ecological Observatory Network) Design Team. In addition to her work with these agencies, her expertise has been called upon by The U.S. Department of the Air Force, The Environmental Protection Agency, The U. S. Department of the Army, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, The Louisiana Board of Regents, Fort Valley State University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, Oakwood College and The Ohio State University. In addition to her

professional involvement, Dr. Jones has volunteered her services to the Board of Directors of Greater Huntsville Club of Rotary International, The Community Action Agency of Huntsville Madison and Limestone Counties, Girls Scouts of America and several other reputable community service organizations. She is a life member and 2022 “Golden Soror of the Year” for Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and a Charter member and former President of the Greater Huntsville Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. Widely honored for her community service and numerous accomplishments, Dr. Jones’ professional affiliations have included the Mycological Society of America, the American Society of Microbiologists, the Institute of Food Technologists, International Society of Aerobiology and numerous others. In 1992, she was appointed to the prestigious Army Science Board by the U.S. Secretary of the Army, Togo West served on the Board until 1998 and held Top Secret Security Clearance. In 2004, she was reappointed to the Army Science Board and continued to serve in that capacity as board member until 1998. She received a metal and certificate from the Commander for patriotic civilian service. Dr. Jones is a member of the St. John A.M.E. Church where she served as vice chair of the Steward Board for more than 20 years, member of the gospel choir, President of the Women’s Ministry and coordinator of the Prayer Ministry and Healing Hearts Ministry. At the district level, she serves on the Annual Conference Trustee Board. She enjoys traveling, meeting people, poetry, art and music.