FIYou: Dr. Kinzy Jones


Name: W. Kinzy Jones

Hometown: Islamorada, Fla.

Job Title/Department: Professor and Director, Advanced Materials Engineering Research Institute (AMERI), Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: As professor of materials engineering I specialize in microelectronics. I am a mentor to students in their search for defining areas to pursue in their engineering education and I provide guidance during their progress through their professional careers.

Number of years at FIU: 23

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Teaching students about the excitement of engineering and materials engineering. Additionally, through my research, exposing students to the methodologies of research and discovery in new areas of science and technology.

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?

Materials science has been a field that has defined the advancement of mankind (Bronze and Iron ages, for instance) and is currently on the forefront of revolutionary developments (nanotechnology, energy, microelectronics) in engineering. These hold immense promise, from new technologies and technological advancements to solving problems that our world will face in the future.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

My classrooms and laboratories. In the classroom, I can excite students to understand materials engineering and relate the topics taught to my research activities. In my research labs, I can guide them into new areas of materials development related to solving engineering problems.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?

What a great education, especially in engineering, FIU offers. I would also wish they knew about the world-class research being done at FIU, the capabilities available and the impact it can have on our community and companies.

How are you “Worlds Ahead”?

FIU Engineering is probably the best-kept secret. I have worked throughout my career to make the College of Engineering the best it can be and am satisfied with my results. We have some of the best research facilities, integrate undergraduate students into our research and teach small, student-oriented classes. I have recommended my own children and others that have asked my guidance to attend FIU because it offers the best education that I know in engineering and, when one factors in the cost of a state university education, it results in outstanding value, with unmatched access to world-class faculty and resources.

Family snapshot:

I have been married to my wife, Sharon, for 28 years. I have three grown children – one daughter and two sons. My son, Dr. Kinzy Jones Jr., graduated with an MS in mechanical engineering from FIU, which he followed with a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley in materials science. And I have five grandsons.

Word that best describes you: Inquisitive.

First paying job: I sold Miami Heralds at the corner of N.E. 2nd Avenue and 95th Street in Miami Shores back in 1956. My first paycheck came when I was a short order cook for Royal Castle hamburgers during the summer as a student.

Favorite TV show: CNN Headline News.

What is playing on your iPod?

George Thorogood, Rolling Stones and ZZ Top.

Your proudest accomplishment:

There are two that are interrelated. The first was establishing graduate programs in materials science (MS and Ph.D.) and establishing AMERI, the first nanofabrication facility in the university system and a world-class materials characterization laboratory. I convinced Motorola to donate a complete operational micro-electromechanical systems laboratory, which we upgraded to perform fabrication of devices at the nanoscale (i.e., 1,000 times smaller). This facility is open to all researchers at FIU, other academic institutions and the industry.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

I enjoy all water sports (diving, fishing, lobstering) and traveling with my wife in my RV.