Dr. Andrew K. Jones
Senior Engineering Fellow

Dr. Andrew K. Jones is a globally recognized expert in recovery boiler operations and industrial process optimization. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Dr. Jones has played a pivotal role in advancing recovery boiler technology, machine learning applications, and innovative instrumentation in the pulp and paper industry. 

Dr. Jones earned his Ph.D. in Pulp and Paper Science from the Institute of Paper Chemistry, where he completed one of the earliest computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of the Kraft recovery boiler. His work continues to shape the field, including co-authoring the definitive textbook, Kraft Recovery Boilers. (Kraft Recovery Boilers, Third Edition – Kraft Recovery Boilers, Third Edition – Print) 

For 27 years, Dr. Jones was a cornerstone at International Paper (IP), where he served as a Senior Engineering Fellow. In this role, he led efforts in disruptive technology, focusing on deploying machine learning platforms such as Braincube across 25 mills, saving IP over $20 million in 2023 alone. His expertise in leveraging tools like Altair Studio (RapidMiner) and AzureML has resulted in dozens of predictive models and real-time analytics solutions, significantly improving operational efficiency on a variety of pulp mill equipment. Earlier in his career, Dr. Jones provided operational oversight for IP’s 40+ recovery boilers, consistently achieving over $10 million in annual savings through energy reduction and throughput improvements. 

Beyond his industrial contributions, Dr. Jones has held an adjunct professorship at the University of Toronto for over 25 years, mentoring numerous Ph.D. and master’s candidates. He is also a TAPPI Fellow, recognized for his leadership as chair of the TAPPI PEERS Conference and the International Chemical Recovery Conference (ICRC). His accolades include the TAPPI Engineering Division Technical Award and Beloit Prize in 2018, as well as the TAPPI Engineering Leadership and Service Award in 2004. 

An innovator at heart, Dr. Jones holds multiple patents in boiler and instrumentation technologies, with applications implemented globally. His commitment to knowledge sharing extends through his numerous publications, conference presentations, and service on the organizing committees for industry-leading conferences. 

Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Jones is a former ultra-marathon world record holder, now competing in cycling time trials and gravel races. He resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he continues to consult on recovery boiler operations, analytical methods, and novel instrumentation.