Jun 28 2006
Phillip L. Jones, Duke University associate professor of mechanical engineering and materials science, died Saturday, June 24, at Duke Hospital in Durham after a brief battle with cancer. He was 57.
"Phil had a natural talent and passion for teaching. His students and colleagues loved him and he loved them," said Kristina Johnson, dean of the Pratt School of Engineering.
Jones earned a bachelor of science from the Materials Department of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of California, Los Angeles in 1971, a M.S. degree in 1973 and a Ph.D. in 1977.
He joined Duke in 1977 as an assistant professor in mechanical engineering after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA. His research focused on the emerging field of positron annihilation as a method of characterizing the microstructure of solid materials. Jones contributed to the development of various nondestructive characterization techniques during his career. He was promoted to associate professor in 1984.
Jones was dedicated to education and teaching. In 1985, he was awarded a Faculty Service Award by the School of Engineering. In 1999, he accepted the position of associate dean for education, supporting curriculum development and student affairs for the renamed Pratt School of Engineering. He served in this capacity until 2003, when he became the director of undergraduate studies for the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science.
"Phil's enthusiasm and affection for students was genuine, and reflected back by his students," said Kenneth Hall, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science. "He was held in high regard by his students as an excellent instructor -- knowledgeable, fair, enthusiastic, and caring."
Jones is survived by his wife Carolyn, his son Garrett, who graduated from Duke in 2005 majoring in mechanical engineering, and his daughter Allison. He was able to participate in her wedding, held in the hospital a few days before he died, to George Vanos, also a Duke graduate.
http://www.pratt.duke.edu/