USU Welcomes Colleen P. Jones as an Associate Research Professor

VERNAL, Utah — Utah State University Uintah Basin and the Bingham Research Center are pleased to announce that Colleen P. Jones is now an associate research professor in the Department of Plants, Soils and Climate. Jones brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished academic and research background to her new role.

“For several years, Dr. Colleen Jones has solidified herself as a critical member of the Bingham Research Center at USU Uintah Basin,” said David Law, associate vice president for the campus. “Dr. Jones has thrived in her role despite not having an academic home. While Dr. Jones's day-to-day activities will remain unchanged, having academic support will provide her with increased resources and opportunities, including the chairing of graduate students. I appreciate Dr. Paul Johnson, professor & department head, for supporting this appointment as it will increase collaboration between the Logan campus and the Statewide Campuses system.”

Jones has been with Utah State for over two decades. She completed her doctorate in ecology from USU in 2014. She also holds a master of science in zoology from Brigham Young University and a bachelor of science in secondary education, science composite from USU, where she graduated summa cum laude.

"I love helping others solve complex problems from the land managers to the students that I work with,” Jones said. “I want to continue to serve my community by solving complex environmental issues of air, soil and water quality associated with restoration and reclamation of landscapes.”

Jones's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Clean and Safe Award from the Bingham Research Center in 2022 and the Graduate Researcher of the Year Award from USU Uintah Basin in 2013. Her dedication to teaching has been equally impactful, earning her the Outstanding Faculty Member Award from USU Uintah Basin in 2008.

In her new role as an associate research professor, Jones will continue to lead research projects and mentor both undergraduate and graduate students. Her current research projects include monitoring and assessing revegetation practices and soil stability post-wildfire using remote sensing and modeling, funded by the Utah Watershed Restoration Program, and a collaborative research project on atmospheric mercury redox reaction rates, funded by the National Science Foundation.

Jones is also an active contributor to academic literature, with numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations. Her recent works include studies on selenium removal by sediments and plants in constructed wetlands, and the emissions of organic compounds from natural gas well pad soils.

Operating campuses in Vernal and Roosevelt for more than 50 years, Utah State University Uintah Basin gives students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university, all in the backdrop of the outdoor oasis that is the Uinta Mountains and Ashley National Forest. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees and more than 125 programs available, as well as access to the renowned Bingham Research Center, USU Uintah Basin offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at uintahbasin.usu.edu.