Portrait image of Dyan Jones
Dyan Jones

Associate Professor

Contact Information

OFFICE: Zurn 209
PHONE: 814-824-2535

Dr. Jones has always been enamored by the educational system – she is a lover of learning and of teaching, and a true believer in the transformative potential of higher education.  In addition to her work teaching physics, Dr. Jones is currently serving as the Dean of the Zurn College of Natural and Health Sciences and the Interim Dean of Global Programs & Experiential Learning. Her favorite part of these administrative roles is the opportunity to work with and support faculty both in the sciences and health professions, as well as across the entire university.

About Dr. Jones
    • Ph.D., Physics, Kansas State University, 2009
    • M.S., Physics, Miami University, 2005
    • B.A., Theoretical Physics, Edinboro University of PA, 2003
    • Dr. Jones has taught across the physics curriculum during her time at Mercyhurst University. Specifically, she enjoys teaching General Physics for all students and Quantum Physics for the department’s majors and minors. In addition, she teaches a variety of SCI courses for the REACH curriculum that are designed to foster an appreciation for the use of science, data, and analysis across all students.
    • PHYS 101/103 and 102/106: Principles of Physics I and II and Labs
    • PHYS 201/203 and 202/206: General Physics I and II and Labs
    • PHYS 310: Modern Physics
    • PHYS 335: Optics
    • PHYS 350: Mechanics
    • PHYS 420: Quantum Mechanics
    • SCI 120: Presidential Science and Lab
    • SCI 170: Energy Science
    • Dr. Jones's research is in physics education. This research is a blend of traditional physics, cognitive science, psychology, learning sciences, and education. In particular, Dr. Jones focuses on how students transfer knowledge to novel contexts and focuses on a knowledge-in-pieces approach.