Dr. Jacob Jones is the Kobe Steel Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at NC State University, Director and Principal Investigator of the Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center (www.steps-center.org, an NSF STC), and Director and Principal Investigator of the Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network (www.rtnn.org, an NSF NNCI site). Jones’ research interests involve developing a fundamental understanding of inorganic materials during both their synthesis and use, e.g., through the use of in situ X-ray scattering experiments and other advanced materials characterization tools. Applications of these capabilities are broad and range from functional ceramics and films, e.g., for ferroelectric or dielectric applications, to nanomaterials and ceramics as sorbents for phosphorus recovery. As Director of the STEPS Center, Jones is also a pioneer and leader in convergence research, integrating dozens of unique disciplinary contributions to tackle society's wicked and challenging problems. Jones has published over 300 papers (h-index=70, GoogleScholar) on these broad topics. Jones is a Fellow of the IEEE Society and the American Ceramic Society and has received numerous awards for his research and education activities, including an NSF CAREER award, a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from President Obama, the 2024 Opal Mann Green Engagement and Scholarship Award to the Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network, and the 2025 Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal for Excellence from NC State University, the highest honor bestowed by NC State and the university’s Board of Trustees.