Jessica R. Jones is a senior aeroelastician at Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company.

She has made significant contributions to her field of aeroelasticity, which is a unique blend of physics and engineering that deals with the interaction of aerodynamic forces and nonrigid structures.

Even during her graduate studies, Jessica co-developed a tool to support the development of the composite, experimental high-altitude long endurance test bed, showcasing her brilliance.

She has applied her work to cutting-edge programs, including electrical-vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, novel configuration planes, and unmanned aircraft systems.

Jessica's achievements have been recognized by the Pioneer Award at the 2023 Women of Color STEM Conference, where she was honored for her leadership and innovation in scientific ventures that help us take flight.

In her acceptance speech, Jessica shared that she was told aerospace engineering would be hard, and there wouldn't be many women, let alone Black women.

However, those words did not discourage her; instead, they presented an opportunity.

She said, "If there aren't many, I'll make room. If there aren't any, I'll be the first."

Jessica acknowledged her mother for demonstrating an inexhaustible work ethic and a spirit of lifelong learning and her sister, who she called a "companion pioneer on this path of technical excellence."

Jessica saluted her colleagues at Aurora and Boeing for understanding the necessity of diversity and expanding the envelope of what we think is possible. Take a listen from the 2:45:47 mark.