Jones named Higher Ed Hero by Insight Into Academia
Associate professor praised for his work as a mentor to Miami students
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Published
Andrew Jones, left, was selected as a Higher Ed Hero by Insight Into Academia magazine for his efforts in guiding Miami students.
Jones named Higher Ed Hero by Insight Into Academia
Associate professor praised for his work as a mentor to Miami students
•
Published
Impactful mentors made all the difference for Andrew Jones.
They opened doors and highlighted opportunities, illuminating the path that led to Jones becoming a groundbreaking researcher and renowned educator.
Now an associate professor of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering at Miami University, Jones is doing his part to give back to the next generation of students. He’s been selected as a Higher Ed Hero by Insight Into Academia magazine for his efforts in guiding Miami students.
“I had the support of professors and mentors who enabled me to achieve what I have today. I hope to do the same for my students, trainees, and mentees,” Jones said. “I want to make the same kind of impact on others that people made on me.”
Jones takes a “work in progress” approach to mentoring students. “It’s not something that has a one-size-fits-all solution,” he said. “I pride myself on being available and being hands on.”
Even this semester, Jones has tailored his approach to specific students, noting that “everyone needs different support at different times.” Some students benefit from a more structured style, while others may only need to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
“Students working in my research lab maybe need a different level of support than students in the classroom,” Jones said. “I know there are a lot of factors at play. That was one of the reasons I came to Miami. I want individual interactions with students.”
Jones was lauded for both an unwavering commitment to student development and the ability to create transformative experiences. A nominator praised Jones for “the genuine respect and appreciation students have for his teaching, mentorship, and approachability.”
In 2025, Jones received the College of Engineering and Computing Honors Faculty of the Year award. He’s also been a multiple-time nominee for Miami’s Associated Student Government Outstanding Professor of the Year recognition.
Post-exam individual meetings, evening office hours, and help with job searches and networking were other examples of Jones’ dedication to Miami students.
“Together, these accomplishments demonstrate Dr. Jones’s extraordinary impact on student success outside the classroom and affirm him as an outstanding teacher-scholar who exemplifies the values of Miami University,” the nomination letter concluded.
As a researcher at Miami, Jones has secured more than $2 million in external funding. He is also a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the National Academy of Inventors.
Jones is well known for his research in the biosynthesis of natural psychedelics, including: psilocybin and DMT. His work is enabling lower cost production options for numerous promising drug candidates which are being studied for the treatment of addiction, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Last summer, technology developed in his lab was licensed to EYWA Biotech for scale-up and commercialization.
Many of his mentees have been recognized nationally as Goldwater and Astronaut Scholars, National Science Foundation Research Fellows, and more.
“The most important thing that comes out of my work at Miami is the people I train,” Jones said. “Students come in with the idea that they want to do research, and they leave as functional researchers with the resilience to overcome setbacks. Being able to see my trainees thrive in their post-Miami careers is really what I’m most proud of.”
They opened doors and highlighted opportunities, illuminating the path that led to Jones becoming a groundbreaking researcher and renowned educator.
Now an associate professor of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering at Miami University, Jones is doing his part to give back to the next generation of students. He’s been selected as a Higher Ed Hero by Insight Into Academia magazine for his efforts in guiding Miami students.
“I had the support of professors and mentors who enabled me to achieve what I have today. I hope to do the same for my students, trainees, and mentees,” Jones said. “I want to make the same kind of impact on others that people made on me.”
Jones takes a “work in progress” approach to mentoring students. “It’s not something that has a one-size-fits-all solution,” he said. “I pride myself on being available and being hands on.”
Even this semester, Jones has tailored his approach to specific students, noting that “everyone needs different support at different times.” Some students benefit from a more structured style, while others may only need to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
“Students working in my research lab maybe need a different level of support than students in the classroom,” Jones said. “I know there are a lot of factors at play. That was one of the reasons I came to Miami. I want individual interactions with students.”
Jones was lauded for both an unwavering commitment to student development and the ability to create transformative experiences. A nominator praised Jones for “the genuine respect and appreciation students have for his teaching, mentorship, and approachability.”
In 2025, Jones received the College of Engineering and Computing Honors Faculty of the Year award. He’s also been a multiple-time nominee for Miami’s Associated Student Government Outstanding Professor of the Year recognition.
Post-exam individual meetings, evening office hours, and help with job searches and networking were other examples of Jones’ dedication to Miami students.
“Together, these accomplishments demonstrate Dr. Jones’s extraordinary impact on student success outside the classroom and affirm him as an outstanding teacher-scholar who exemplifies the values of Miami University,” the nomination letter concluded.
As a researcher at Miami, Jones has secured more than $2 million in external funding. He is also a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the National Academy of Inventors.
Jones is well known for his research in the biosynthesis of natural psychedelics, including: psilocybin and DMT. His work is enabling lower cost production options for numerous promising drug candidates which are being studied for the treatment of addiction, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Last summer, technology developed in his lab was licensed to EYWA Biotech for scale-up and commercialization.
Many of his mentees have been recognized nationally as Goldwater and Astronaut Scholars, National Science Foundation Research Fellows, and more.
“The most important thing that comes out of my work at Miami is the people I train,” Jones said. “Students come in with the idea that they want to do research, and they leave as functional researchers with the resilience to overcome setbacks. Being able to see my trainees thrive in their post-Miami careers is really what I’m most proud of.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the College of Engineering and Computing? Visit the website for more information.