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◆ Graduating May 2026
PhD Scientist · Researcher · Engineer

Ayanna Jones

PhD Candidate in Atmospheric Sciences, Howard University

Machine Learning & AI Energy Storage Atmospheric Science Materials Engineering Computational Modeling Scientific Consulting
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Materials scientist at the intersection of AI and energy.

I am a PhD candidate at Howard University with over a decade of experience spanning computational modeling, machine learning, energy storage engineering, and atmospheric science. My work bridges advanced scientific research and real-world application.

My doctoral dissertation leverages molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning to enhance phase change materials for battery thermal management — a critical frontier in sustainable energy. I have conducted research at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, and several leading universities.

Beyond the lab, I am the co-founder of BlackInChem, a Royal Society of Chemistry award-winning nonprofit promoting inclusion in chemistry for scientists of African descent, and STEM in Color, connecting minority students to scholarships and fellowships across STEM.

Molecular Dynamics
Machine Learning / AI
Battery Engineering
Thermodynamics
Data Assimilation
Bayesian Inference
Python · C++ · Java
Remote Sensing
LLM Development
Life Sciences Strategy
10+
Years of Research Experience
3.92
PhD GPA at Howard University
4
Graduate Degrees & Programs
$250K+
Grants Raised via BlackInChem
10+
Conference Presentations

High-impact work across multiple frontiers.

🔋

Phase Change Materials for Battery Thermal Management

Doctoral dissertation at Howard University. Developing novel computational models using molecular dynamics and machine learning to engineer phase change materials that dramatically improve thermal efficiency and energy storage of lithium batteries.

↑ 70% predictive model accuracy boost
🏭

Battery Housing Materials Engineering

As a Visiting Research Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, applied industry-standard procedures to engineer advanced materials for battery enclosures — directly increasing energy storage capacity and improving battery safety at scale.

↑ 25% energy storage improvement
🌍

CARDAMOM Terrestrial Ecosystem Model

At NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, optimized the CARDAMOM data-constrained computational framework for terrestrial carbon cycle modeling. Applied Bayesian inference, data assimilation, and model-data fusion to dramatically improve scientific usability.

↑ 120% improvement in model operability
🌱

Systems Analysis of the Rhizosphere

MS research at Emory University using systems chemistry to decode the chemical communication of soil microbiomes. Led to 10 conference presentations, 2 invited talks, and publications in top-tier journals on biogeochemistry.

10 conferences · 2 invited talks
🪐

Europa's Exosphere & Jovian Magnetosphere

MS research at Georgia Tech using computational methods to characterize the chemistry of Europa's exosphere and its interaction with Jupiter's magnetosphere — contributing to the scientific basis for assessing potential for extraterrestrial life.

AAS National Conference · 2018
⚗️

Metal-Organic Frameworks for CO₂ Capture

Undergraduate research at Clark Atlanta University on post-synthesis modification of metal-organic frameworks for carbon dioxide capture, and cation exchange on cellulose nanocrystals for polymer resin applications.

Magna Cum Laude · Clark Atlanta University

Research, industry, and leadership.

Research
Graduate Research Assistant Jan 2024 – Present
Department of Atmospheric Sciences · Howard University · Washington, D.C.
Developing novel ML/AI computational models for phase change materials in energy storage. Boosted predictive model output by 70%. Designed and troubleshot complex thermal property laboratory experiments.
Visiting Research Scientist Jun – Aug 2025
Chemical Sciences Division · Argonne National Laboratory · Lemont, IL
Engineered materials for battery housing using industry-standard protocols, achieving 25% increase in energy storage. Collaborated directly with Argonne scientists to refine research methodology.
NASA MSP Graduate Research Fellow Dec 2021 – Dec 2023
Jet Propulsion Laboratory · NASA · Pasadena, CA
Optimized the CARDAMOM terrestrial ecosystem computational model, improving operation and usability by 120%. Applied Bayesian inference, remote sensing, data assimilation, and machine learning techniques.
Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant Aug 2019 – Dec 2023
Department of Chemistry · Emory University · Atlanta, GA
Conducted biogeochemistry research leading to 10 conference presentations and 2 invited talks. Mentored undergraduates with 90% pursuing STEM graduate degrees.
Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant Aug 2016 – May 2018
School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences · Georgia Institute of Technology · Atlanta, GA
Applied computational methodologies to predict potential for extraterrestrial life on Europa, a moon of Jupiter.
Professional & Leadership
President & Co-Founder Aug 2020 – Present
BlackInChem 501(c)(3) · Washington, D.C.
Co-founded a world-renowned nonprofit promoting inclusion in chemistry for scientists of African descent. Recipient of the Royal Society of Chemistry Diversity Prize. Raised $250K+ in funding; grew engagement 200% in year one.
Life Sciences Consultant May 2025
Oliver Wyman · Boston, MA
Partnered with consultants and partners to solve a real-world life sciences client challenge. Performed market analysis and data modeling, then presented individual findings to senior stakeholders.
BIO-E Entrepreneurship Fellow (Acting CEO) Feb – Jul 2024
National Institutes of Health · Washington, D.C.
Led a startup team as acting CEO. Developed and validated a business hypothesis and MVP. Presented at the BIO-E Conference in San Diego. Gained hands-on experience in R&D, FDA processes, and clinical trial lifecycles.
Biotechnology Project Consultant Aug 2021 – May 2023
Verdant Scientific, Inc. · Atlanta, GA
Provided strategic solutions for drug development startups. Conducted market research and competitive landscape analysis, increasing client revenue by 40%. Delivered IP patent landscape assessments.
Co-Founder 2019 – Present
STEM in Color · Remote
Co-founded a platform connecting minority students in STEM to scholarships and fellowships — expanding access to opportunities for underrepresented scientists at all career stages.

Peer-reviewed work & scientific contributions.

2026
Modeling Thermal Response of Enhanced Phase Change Materials with Lithium Batteries
PLoS ONE · Jones, A., Smith, S.
In Preparation
2026
Utilizing Enhanced Phase Change Materials For The Improvement of Thermal Energy Management in Batteries
ASME Summer Heat Transfer Conference Journal · Jones, A., Prabhudesai, M.S., Braun, P.V., Jansen, A.N., Smith, S.
Under Review
2025
Combining Observations and Models: A Review of the CARDAMOM Framework for Data-Constrained Terrestrial Ecosystem Modeling
Global Change Biology, 31(8) · Worden et al. (incl. Jones, A.)
Published ↗
2020
Calling All Black Chemists
Nature Chemistry, 12: 977–979 · Pichon, A., Jones, A., Mensah, S., Swiner, D.
Published ↗

Recognition across science, leadership, and equity.

🏆
Royal Society of Chemistry Inclusion & Diversity Prize
Royal Society of Chemistry · 2021
🚀
NASA Maximizing Student Potential (MSP) Fellowship
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory · 2020–2021
🎓
Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship
Howard University · 2024
Ernest E. Just Life Sciences Award for Outstanding Leadership
United Negro College Fund (UNCF) · 2023
🔬
National Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Inductee
Laney Graduate School, Emory University · 2022
📡
AAAS CASE Workshop Award
American Association for the Advancement of Science · 2020
💡
Centennial Scholars Fellowship
Laney Graduate School, Emory University · 2019–2023
🌿
Women In Natural Sciences Fellowship
Laney Graduate School, Emory University · 2019–2023
🥇
First Place Poster Presentation Award
Georgia-Alabama LSAMP Conference · 2016
🌱
Monsanto Scholarship
Monsanto Company · 2012

Featured in national media.

Also featured in
C&EN / ACS #BlackinChem Breaks Down Barriers — Chemical & Engineering News Stereo Chemistry Podcast Black Chemists Discuss Strategies for Dismantling Systemic Racism in Science Royal Society of Chemistry #BlackInChem Part 1: BlackInChem Week — RSC News Real Scientists Chemistry and Black Excellence — Ayanna Jones Curates Real Scientists for #BlackChemistsWeek2021 Astrobites #BlackInAstro Experiences: Ayanna Jones

Let's connect.

I'm actively seeking opportunities in research, data science, scientific consulting, and policy — graduating May 2026. Whether you're a research institution, tech company, or consulting firm, I'd love to talk.