Dr Jhordanne Jones: From UWI Student to Atmospheric Scientist

As final-year students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in the Faculty of Science and Technology, you're likely contemplating the myriad career paths ahead.

The journey from university to professional life can be both exhilarating and daunting, filled with uncertainties and opportunities.

To shed light on the diverse paths available to science graduates, we interviewed Dr. Jhordanne Jones, a trailblazing atmospheric scientist whose journey from UWI student to global researcher is nothing short of inspiring.

With roots in Jamaica and a passion for science, Dr. Jones's story exemplifies the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream big and pursue their passions relentlessly.

Despite facing initial challenges in high school physics, she found her passion for science through supportive mentors and role models.

It was during her time at Quality Academics, that Dr. Jones encountered her physics teacher, Darlene Field, who was pursuing a Ph.D. in physics herself.

This encounter proved pivotal, as it introduced Dr. Jones to the world of graduate studies in science and provided her with the mentorship and guidance she needed to excel.

Inspired by her teacher's example and encouraged by her newfound passion for physics, Dr. Jones pursued a Bachelor of Science in Physics at the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Along the way, she found further inspiration from mentors like Professor Tannecia Stephenson, a female physicist specializing in climate science, who served as her master's advisor.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Dr. Jones continued her academic pursuit by obtaining a master's in Physics (Climate Studies), further deepening her knowledge and expertise.

Driven by her fascination with atmospheric science and climate change, Dr Jones seized the opportunity to pursue a PhD in atmospheric science through a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship.

Postgraduate Journey

Initially uncertain about her career path after completing her bachelor's degree, Dr. Jones shared that at the time, she only saw three options: medicine, teaching science, or continuing her education through a graduate program. Ultimately, she was drawn to the research track for its intellectual stimulation and the opportunity to delve deeper into her field of interest.

While contemplating her postgraduate options, Dr. Jones weighed the prospect of pursuing a taught master's degree against a research-focused program. She settled on the prospect of contributing original insights to the scientific community and addressing unanswered questions within her field.

Moreover, she was inspired by the opportunity to make tangible contributions to addressing pressing environmental challenges, such as climate change.

By engaging in research, she saw the potential to generate data-driven solutions and inform evidence-based policies aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on society and the natural world.

Embracing Opportunities Beyond Borders

The pivotal moment in Dr. Jones's journey came when she learned about the Fulbright Fellowship opportunities through her department at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Encouraged by her advisors and driven by her curiosity, she decided to apply, despite initial hesitations.

With the support of her advisors, Dr. Jones embarked on a journey to Colorado State University in the United States, where she pursued a Ph.D. in atmospheric science. Her research focus on North Atlantic tropical cyclones not only deepened her understanding of climate dynamics but also broadened her perspective on career possibilities outside of Kingston.

She candidly mentions how her application initially wasn't complete. However, after submitting some initial materials, she received feedback from the Fulbright program administrators advising her to finalize her submission

Exploring Research and Diverse Career Paths Her research focused on North Atlantic tropical cyclones. During her master's program, Dr. Jones was introduced to a project on tropical cyclone frequency, igniting her passion for studying these weather phenomena and their interaction with climate change.

Her subsequent transition to a PhD program allowed her to delve deeper into this field, exploring questions surrounding the impacts of climate change on tropical cyclones and developing expertise in atmospheric science.

Currently, she holds the position of a climate and global change postdoctoral fellow, where her primary role is to conduct cutting-edge research in atmospheric science. In this capacity, Dr Jones explores various aspects of North Atlantic tropical cyclones and their relationship to climate change, aiming to deepen our understanding of these phenomena and their implications for the environment and society.

While her research currently keeps her in the United States, Dr. Jones acknowledges the potential for graduates to find fulfilling careers both locally and internationally. Whether in academia, research institutions, or private sector roles, the key lies in embracing opportunities and leveraging mentorship and support networks.

Jhordanne reflects on the challenges she encountered while pursuing research at various stages of her academic journey, from her master's to her doctorate. One of the significant obstacles she highlights is the inherent autonomy and self-directed nature of graduate programs, where students are often left to navigate their learning independently.

She emphasizes the importance of self-teaching and continuous learning in research. While graduate courses provide valuable guidance, Dr. Jones underscores the need for extensive reading and self-study to truly grasp complex concepts and hone expertise in one's field. She acknowledges that despite the desire to absorb all knowledge, it's impossible to learn everything.

Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of meticulous note-taking, urging students to hold onto their notes from undergrad and graduate courses as valuable resources for future academic endeavours.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

Reflecting on her experiences, Dr. Jones offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals seeking career opportunities outside of Kingston:

1. Embrace Mentorship: Seek guidance from mentors and advisors who can offer insights into different career paths and opportunities.

2. Be Open to Exploration: Don't limit yourself to traditional job markets. Explore opportunities both locally and internationally that align with your interests and career goals.

Conclusion: Charting Your Path

Dr Jhordanne Jones's journey serves as an inspiration to break boundaries and pursue career opportunities beyond Kingston and even Jamaica. By embracing opportunities, seeking mentorship, and staying persistent, graduates can chart their path to success, wherever it may lead.

As we conclude Dr Jones's inspiring journey, we invite you to explore more graduate stories from the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of the West Indies.

Each narrative offers unique insights, challenges, and triumphs that shed light on the diverse paths available to science graduates.

We encourage you to leave a comment sharing your thoughts, reflections, or questions on Dr. Jones's journey or any other featured graduate. Your engagement fosters a sense of community and dialogue, creating opportunities for mutual learning and inspiration.