Dr. Treva Brown

Dr. Treva Tarnese Brown, native of Baton Rouge, LA, is a Physical Scientist at the United States Naval Research Laboratory located at NASA’s Stennis Space Center. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Louisiana State University (2011) and Doctoral degree in Chemistry at the University of New Orleans (2017) as a Louisiana Board of Regents Graduate fellow.

Dr. Brown is passionately active in outreach and mentorship activities where she advocates for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) outreach in her local communities and spearheads initiatives aimed to improve diversity and inclusion within the scientific community. Furthermore, she is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, the International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society, and American Chemical Society. Her service also exudes in positions she holds as Member – at – large for the Southeastern Microscopy Society, Diversity and Inclusion Representative for the Ocean Sciences Division of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Editorial Board Member for Microscopy Today Scientific Journal, and Founder and Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the Microscopy Society of America. Dr. Brown was also recently named Director of the Physical Sciences Division for Microscopy Society of America.

“Be the change you want to see in the world” is a quote that Dr. Brown reiterates and lives by as she continuously strives to change the narrative and “faces” of STEM disciplines, particularly among youth from underrepresented backgrounds. She stimulates kids’ desire to learn about science through fun and engaging STEM demonstrations, while cultivating their minds to pursue STEM careers. Her self- motivated dedication and passion for engaging community youth through outreach is astounding, and for her selfless efforts, she is a deserving recipient of the many awards she has earned. Some of her most recent awards and recognitions include Louisiana State University’s 2023 Distinguished Young Alumna, Rebirth Magazine’s Legend Award for positive contributions to community, Proclamations from the cities of Baker and New Orleans, Louisiana in Recognition of Community Service, Outreach, and Mentoring, Crown Me Foundation Image Award for contribution to growth of healthy communities, 2021 Women of Color Community Service in Government Award, “2020 Best Woman in S.T.E.M.” Award recognizing female leaders making an impact on New Orleans, LA and surrounding areas, and Edge of the Lake Magazine’s Northshore Louisiana Forty under 40 recognition.

Because of Dr. Brown’s relentless dedication to diversity and inclusion and youth outreach in the STEM disciplines, she served in the pageant realm to heighten awareness of her endeavors through her platforms. Dr, Brown has previously held the title of Ms. Black St. Tammany Parish (2018-2019), Ms. Black Louisiana Empowerment (2019 – 2020), Ms. Black Louisiana International Ambassador (2020 – 2021), and Ms. Black Louisiana Eminence (2023 -2024). She currently reigns as 2024 Ms. Black Eminence Elite leading her platform, “STEAM Beyond Our Wildest Dreams”, to encourage youth outreach and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics among youth as
well as to aspire hope to anyone pursuing their wildest dreams.