SCHENECTADY — The illustrious journey of a local trailblazer, Dr. Marshall Jones, a GE Aerospace researcher, will be showcased in two documentary screenings at Proctors Theatre this Wednesday.
The public is invited to a complimentary screening of “Never Give Up – the Marshall Jones Story” at 6 p.m. on Feb. 28 in the GE Theatre. The film traces Jones’ life from his modest upbringing on a Long Island duck farm to his groundbreaking work in laser technology.
Over his five-decade career at GE’s Niskayuna research facility, Jones has accumulated 70 patents and continues to contribute to the site, currently focusing on additive manufacturing. This process, as described by the company, uses 3D object scanners to guide hardware in depositing material in exact geometric shapes. Jones is also collaborating with a team in Cambridge, England on supersonic laser deposition.
At 82, Jones maintains a vigorous workload, having visited China last year for a technology conference.
Wednesday will mark Jones’ first viewing of the complete 47-minute documentary.
“I felt incredibly fortunate that they wanted to create this documentary. I hope it can inspire those who watch it,” Jones said.
A group of Schenectady High School students will attend a screening of the documentary and participate in a Q&A session with Jones at Proctors on Wednesday afternoon, before the general public screening.
“My hope is that the students see him as a living legend and feel inspired to pursue a career in aerospace or science,” said Ronnie Gardner, Schenectady Director of Diversity and Affirmative Action. “We aim to motivate the young minds in our community to explore science and technology.”
The Sankofa African American 3D Museum produced the documentary after discovering Jones’ remarkable career last year.
“As I delved into the research and uncovered information and interviews about him, I was surprised that no one had made a full documentary or even a movie about him before,” said museum president Lawrence Walker.
Walker, who also served as the assistant director of the film, spent several hours interviewing Jones for the documentary.
“I was amazed when he told me about his 70 patents and that he’s still working at 82,” Walker said. “I suggested he should retire and enjoy life with his wife, but he insisted on continuing his work.”
“His legacy is one that may be surpassed someday, but I highly doubt it.”
Walker noted the significance of screening the documentary during Black History Month.
“We’re honoring a man who is a pioneer in his field,” he said.
The film’s producers are hoping to secure a future broadcast television airing of the documentary.
Jones was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2017 and serves as an ambassador for the hall of fame’s Camp Invention program, which hosts STEM camps for children in grades K-6 nationwide.
Jones expressed his hope that the film will inspire the local students who watch the documentary on Wednesday.
“I hope it encourages them to believe in their ability to achieve their dreams,” he said. “I think adults may be surprised by my humble beginnings. I started as a farm boy raising ducks on Long Island. No one could have imagined I would end up where I am now.”
Free tickets for the film screening are available to the public on the Proctors website.
Agree – I’m excited to attend and learn more about this trailblazer’s contributions.