Dr. Melanie E. Jones, Ph.D.

Dr. Melanie Jones is head of the Department of Natural Sciences at the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) in West Point, New York. She received her Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from New York Medical College. Her primary research focused on the role of the androgen and androgen receptor in thyroid cancer.

Before attending New York Medical College, she earned a Bachelor of Science from Marist College with a concentration in secondary education. At Marist, Dr. Jones conducted research on bacteria that were able to break down polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), toxic chemicals found in oil and gasoline. She also earned a Master of Arts in biology from State University of New York-New Paltz, where she studied cytoskeleton formation in immune cells within modeled microgravity.

Dr. Jones began her teaching career as a teaching assistant for multiple undergraduate science courses. After graduating from Marist, she taught high school and middle school biology and physical science full time. During her Ph.D. program, she continued to teach or assist in multiple graduate courses at Touro University and New York Medical College.

In 2014, she joined USMAPS to develop a science program for cadet candidates. After serving as an instructor within the department and as acting department head, she was promoted to head of the Department of Natural Sciences in 2019.

Dr. Jones is originally from the Hudson Valley area and enjoys the full range of seasonal sports in New York, including hiking, swimming, and skiing. While at USMAPS, she has served as the head swim instructor, a sponsor for the Corbin Forum, a club that facilitates mentoring and networking for female cadet candidates, and an assistant sponsor for Recharge, a club for Christian fellowship.