Melissa Ward Jones

Melissa Ward Jones is a Research Professor at the Water and Environmental Research Center (WERC), part of the Institute of Northern Engineering at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Her research focuses on permafrost geomorphology, exploring how climate, ground cover, active layer properties, and ground ice content influence landscape changes such as subsidence and slope failure. She employs a mix of field observations, sensor networks, remote sensing, GIS, and statistical analysis to address research questions. Additionally, she applies her expertise to sustainability challenges, including food security and agriculture in permafrost-affected regions.

Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to understand permafrost systems and their responses to environmental changes. She is affiliated with the Alaska Stable Isotope Facility and participates in initiatives like the METAL program. Melissa’s research emphasizes practical applications of her findings to real-world issues, bridging scientific inquiry with societal needs.