David Richard Jones

PROFILE: For as long as David Jones can remember, solving a math problem has always produced a great feeling of satisfaction. Having a natural aptitude for math, he assumed that would translate into an interest in accounting. In the mid-1990s, Dave worked at various locations as an accountant. But he worked primarily for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno, CA, where he was a valued employee for seven years. Tragedy forced Dave to reexamine and alter his career direction; in 2004, Dave’s wife was diagnosed with a serious illness which left her unable to work. Reduced to one income, Dave realized he needed to return to college “where I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a professor of mathematics.” At the College of the Sequoias, Dave earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average, won scholarships and honors from various sources, and reinforced what he knew long ago - his love for math and the sheer joy he felt while unraveling a math conundrum.

 

INSPIRATION: Dave loves to recall his first role models: grammar school teachers such as Ms. Wong, his math instructor. At his community college, Professor Steven Houk was the mentor who influenced Dave the most. “He delighted me with his teaching methods for trigonometry and calculus . . . and he has been a true inspiration,” Dave said. “He exemplifies mastery of mathematics and science, as well as being extremely skilled at showing others these subjects.”

ASPIRATION: Dave’s role models were his many teachers going back to his youth. In turn, he would like to be a role model for others. As a college professor, Dave feels he can help those students truly interested in math and physics achieve their goals. “By becoming a professor, I will enrich my life while helping mankind continue to master the world in which we live.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Dave’s proud of being selected as one of the first National Aerospace Scholars by NASA. The competition involved designing a robotic mission to Mars, complete with all the details regarding mission timelines, objectives, and budgets.

ACCOLADES: Dave was named to the President’s Honor List at the College of the Sequoias and also received the Academic Excellence Award. His honors also include recognition by NASA as a National Aerospace Scholar. In 1997, as a young man, Dave earned the Center Director’s Award from the Los Angeles Job Corps Center.

INTERESTING FACT: Although Dave spent several years working for a religious organization, he is an atheist.