Written by: Paola Pinto May 2, 2024 Janna Jones Atmospheric and Earth Science senior student on top of the UAH SWIRLL building Janna Jones, a dedicated student in the College of Science at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), is set to graduate this May with a bachelor's degree in Atmospheric and Earth Science (AES), complemented by a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). As a native of Madison, Alabama, Jones's fascination with atmospheric phenomena traces back to her early years, which transformed her career path. Her curiosity started at the age of three when she watched the Weather Channel daily. This interest deepened when, at the age of seven, she witnessed firsthand the devastation of the 2011 tornado super outbreak. Hearing her mother recount her experience during the 1974 super tornado outbreak further fueled Jones's desire to understand and study weather patterns. Janna Jones graduation photo, her commencement ceremony is on May 2024. Despite initially planning to pursue her studies at a different institution away from home, Jones's path took a turn due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Opting for UAH instead, she was drawn by its proximity to home and its promising scholarship opportunities. Reflecting on her decision, Jones expresses deep gratitude for the connections and opportunities she has found at her alma mater. This feeling is particularly meaningful as she shares this academic legacy with her father, Jonathan Jones, who graduated from UAH with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1989. She has been actively engaged in various student organizations, holding roles such as marketing chair for the student chapter of the American Meteorological Society/National Weather Association, a student member of UAH's Profile Sounding Team for Operational and Research Meteorology (UPSTROM), and AES Department Ambassador. Additionally, she served as a Student Ambassador at the College of Science. Jones pursued diverse internships throughout her undergraduate journey, including positions at NASA-Impact on the UAH campus and currently at the U.S. Army Garrison—Redstone Arsenal. These experiences sharpened her skills and sparked a new passion for GIS and mapmaking, leading her to reconsider her career path and contemplate graduate studies in this field. "I was at a crossroads in my education. I suffered what felt like a loss of my identity because I didn't find a sense of belonging in the field of meteorology. I am grateful I happened to find a discipline I can see myself engaging in for the rest of my life," she shares. Left: Janna Jones at the 104th American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting in Baltimore, MD presenting her student chapter organization’s accomplishments. Right: Janna Jones presenting her research at the UAH Undergraduate Research Horizons Jones is drawn to interdisciplinary opportunities within climate research and the human dimensions of environmental studies. She has aspirations for a future career in climate science as she recognizes the growing demand for professionals in this field. "I am enthusiastic about the trajectory of GIS technology, particularly with the possibilities AI analysis brings. Artificial intelligence will reduce data processing and analysis time, and its predictive modeling capabilities are very promising," she says. Offering advice to aspiring students, Jones highlights the importance of exploring diverse opportunities and fostering relationships with professors. She emphasizes the value of mentorship and advises embracing unexpected opportunities, as they may lead to fulfilling and sometimes unexpected career paths. Jones is embarking on a gap year before pursuing graduate studies in GIS. During this time, she plans to further her experience in the field while continuing her position at the Army Garrison. Her commitment to academic excellence and spirit of curiosity reflect her determination to excel. The College of Science is immensely proud of her accomplishments.
