Dr. Nastassia Jones. A small town girl with big dreams.

Dr. Nastassia Jones is the Assistant Professor of Science Education at the University of the Virgin Islands and Managing Director of the Virgin Islands Institute of Stem Education Research and Practice funded by VI-EPSCoR. From a small town near Athens, Georgia, Dr. Jones grew up in a community with limited opportunities, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

With few role models, and fewer resources, how did an African American girl from the south grow up to be a doctor, a scientist, and a college professor?

In her revealing interview with Dr. Llewellyn Cornelius at the Center for Social Justice Dr. Jones gets real about the importance of education and mentoring in rural communities.

Dr. Jones at the entrance to Ape Cave in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.