Treva T. Brown, PhD
Treva T. Brown, PhD, is a dedicated physical scientist and materials chemist whose work centers on advanced microscopy and nanomaterials research. With a doctorate in inorganic chemistry, she has built a strong foundation in analytical techniques such as electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, using these tools to investigate corrosion mechanisms, surface behavior, and materials performance. Her passion for microscopy began during her undergraduate years when early research experiences — including visualizing DNA through high-powered instrumentation — sparked a lifelong fascination with nanoscale science and led to a published research contribution that helped secure a fellowship for her doctoral studies.
Since entering the field, Treva has spent nearly a decade contributing to scientific innovation through her role in federal research, where she analyzes complex material systems and explores ways to enhance technological performance and reliability. Her career path has also included teaching general chemistry laboratories and gaining early industry experience in polymer and rubber chemistry. Known for her technical expertise and curiosity-driven approach, she thrives in environments where each day brings new research challenges, from reviewing emerging literature to conducting detailed laboratory investigations that support scientific advancement and national priorities.
Beyond the laboratory, Treva is deeply committed to mentorship, outreach, and expanding access to STEM opportunities for future generations. She actively mentors student interns, participates in community science engagement initiatives, and advocates for greater representation and inclusion within the scientific workforce. Recognized for her leadership and service through professional awards and honors, Treva continues to inspire aspiring scientists through speaking, volunteerism, and her mission to make science visible, accessible, and empowering for all who seek to explore it.
• PhD in Inorganic Chemistry
• University of New Orleans- Ph.D.
• Louisiana State University- B.S.
• 2020 Woman in S.T.E.M.
• 2017 Winifred Burks-Houck Graduate Leadership Award
• Louisiana Board of Regents Fellowship
• Athleta “Power of She” Award for Positive Impact on Community
• National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers
• Association for Laboratory Automation
• I3- Integration of Education and Mentoring
• Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity
• Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society
• Alpha Chi Sigma
• Omicron Delta Kappa
• UNO Graduate Student Association
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• University of New Orleans Graduate Student Association of Chemistry
• STEM Outreach and Mentoring
• Regional STEM Competition Mentorship
• Summer Internship Mentoring in Chemistry and Biology
• Louisiana Children's Museum
• American Chemical Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I definitely would say mentors, because I didn't know what I wanted to do when I was in high school. I always credit my physics high school teacher about telling me about STEM, and I had various mentors along the way that kept me interested and kept me inspired. My mentors saw something in me that I personally didn't see in myself at the time. I had an amazing mentor in undergrad - I was in a scholarship program that encouraged us to do undergraduate research, and I had an amazing undergraduate research advisor who worked with various types of microscopes. Working with her, I learned that I loved seeing the science. The first thing I was able to see on the microscope was a strand of DNA, and seeing it for myself in a real-life scientific setting sealed the deal for me. I got a publication out of it as an undergrad, which is what got me my fellowship to go to graduate school to pursue my PhD. Basically, I use that mentoring I received and try to pour back into others, since that's what got me to where I am today.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would definitely say the sky is truly the limit. Definitely find mentors - for me, my mentors saw something in me that I personally didn't see in myself at the time. Find somebody that can help you navigate all of the twists and turns of what comes with the journey. Take opportunities, take the leaps of inclusiveness. I always say I would tell my younger self, especially with study abroad opportunities, I wish that I would have taken those more, because now I love to travel and it's a whole world out there that opens your eyes to so much more. Those experiences can aid in not only your personal life and how you look at life, but also in your career, because you can bring those things that you learn into your career and those networking opportunities as well. I always stress about being people people, because knowing people and expanding your network is also great. Networking opportunities are truly great to open those doors that you never thought would open.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say location is one of my biggest challenges, because I'm in between Louisiana and Mississippi. This is my opinion only, but I feel that we don't have the latest and greatest when it comes to technology or the interests when it comes to any STEM fields like that. We do have our chemical plants and things like that, however, when it comes to that advanced knowledge in various STEM fields, we tend to lack that, and we don't tend to put emphasis on that down here in the South. That's one of the things that I try to personally change with my passion project - I try to introduce students to the various careers that are available, because I know I didn't even know what I do currently exists. That's one of the biggest challenges, just that awareness and making ourselves in the STEM careers down here in the South more visible and accessible to others. As far as opportunities, going back to that outreach, just getting on social media and proving how cool science can be, and seeing the joy and fun that comes about from the outreach things that I do on social media and my STEM passion projects. One of the greatest things is a STEM competition that happens regionally - a lady found me on social media and said they've never had anybody participate in STEM, and they've been doing the competition for a number of years. When I came on board about 2 years ago, I had students interested that had never participated in STEM before. I had a young girl with disabilities whose grandparents were raising her - she was in 8th grade doing high school level science work, she won regionals and had the experience to go to nationals. Last year, I had my personal first young lady who won in chemical engineering - we did a project about biodegradable Mardi Gras beads and she won first place at Nationals. These are students that had never been exposed to STEM before, ever.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are mentorship, inclusivity, outreach, community, and meaningful networking that helps others grow and succeed. As a newlywed returning from a wonderful two-week honeymoon in Italy, I’m especially grateful for the relationships and support systems that enrich both my career journey and my life beyond the lab.