Stephanie Jones, professor of neuroscience, has been recognized for her ability to mentor students and postdoctoral researchers across a wide spectrum of backgrounds, interests, and career aspirations. Her guidance extends to trainees in cognitive, computational, and translational neuroscience, preparing them for diverse career paths in academia, clinical practice, and industry.
Jones's mentorship encompasses everything from guiding focused research projects to helping students navigate comprehensive career planning. This broad-ranging approach has established her as an invaluable resource for developing scientists at all stages of their academic journey.
Team Science in Neuroscience Research
At the core of Jones's mentoring philosophy is her emphasis on team science and computational tool development. This approach has created a distinctively interdisciplinary research environment that offers unique training opportunities spanning cognitive and computational neuroscience, clinical applications, tool development, and entrepreneurship.
Christopher Moore, associate director of the Carney Institute of Brain Science and professor of neuroscience and brain science, who nominated Jones for the award, highlights her exceptional commitment to student success.
"She is thoughtful and efficient in giving them feedback on it all. She also works with them daily—including getting deep into the mathematics and coding—on solving the challenges they are facing," Moore explains.
Beyond Scientific Excellence: The Whole-Person Approach
What distinguishes Jones's mentorship style is her recognition that scientific achievement flourishes when researchers are supported as complete individuals, not just as academic contributors.
Postdoctoral research associate David Zhou emphasizes this aspect of her mentorship: “What truly sets Dr. Jones apart is her holistic approach to mentorship and understanding that scientific excellence flourishes when researchers are supported as whole individuals. She is deeply devoted to our wellbeing outside of the lab, actively encouraging work-life balance and recognizing our roles as parents and active members of our families and communities.”
Expanding Opportunities and Inclusive Mentorship
Jones's commitment to mentorship extends beyond her immediate research group. She regularly hosts undergraduate researchers through the Leadership Alliance, a summer school which aims to address the shortage of individuals from historically underrepresented groups in doctoral training programs and academia.
She has also served as a faculty advisory partner for Brown’s Meiklejohn Peer Advising program, which facilitates mentoring for first-year students on how to navigate the college experience and is especially beneficial for first-generation college students.
Upon learning of her recognition, Jones expressed profound gratitude: “It's a privilege to work with the outstanding Brown students. Their dedication and hard work is the foundation that drives discovery and innovation, and their success inspires me every day. I'm grateful to help shape their journey.”
Faculty members Paul Testa, Johanna Hanink, Stephanie Jones and Anubhav Tripathi receive the Graduate School’s Faculty Award for Advising & Mentoring at the University Awards Ceremony on April 30, 2025.