Tonya W. Stone

Tonya W. Stone is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, CAVS Associate Director, and holder of the Dr. Oswald Rendon-Herrero Chair at Mississippi State University (MSU). She earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MSU (1995, 2006, 2009). Prior to academia, she worked at Dow Chemical Company as a Mechanical Engineer (1995–2003). Her research focuses on multiscale computational modeling of materials, including molecular dynamics, constitutive modeling, and failure analysis. She leads initiatives in brain injury modeling, powder metallurgy, and engineering education equity.

Dr. Stone has held roles such as Mechanical Engineering Graduate Coordinator (2021–Present), Record Service Coordinator (2023–Present), and Associate Director for Computational Engineering Mechanics (2020–Present). She advises organizations like NSBE and MEMO, and chairs committees including the BCoE Research Advisory Council (2023–2024).

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, MSU (2009)
  • M.S., Mechanical Engineering, MSU (2006)
  • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, MSU (1995)

Her research interests span molecular dynamics of biological systems (e.g., traumatic brain injury), material failure analysis, and powder metallurgy. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and computational methods for solving complex material challenges.

Notable awards include the ME Department Senior Faculty Outstanding Research Award (2018, 2022) and the Oswald Rendon-Herrero Professorship. Her work integrates academic mentorship and diversity initiatives, reflected in publications on teamwork perception in engineering programs and strategies for female/minority academics.

Dr. Stone’s lab collaborations include the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) and phase-field modeling projects. She balances research leadership with service to engineering education and diversity advocacy.