Dr. Brower-Thomas serves as a Joint Appointee at Howard University and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). She is also a Principal Investigator with the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA) which is led by BNL. In these roles she supports groundbreaking research at the intersection of quantum systems and materials science, and specifically she contributes to advancements in quantum materials. She brings expertise in materials chemistry and materials characterization, program management, interdisciplinary collaboration, cross institutional community building, and workforce development. Her research focus includes molecular self-assembly, surface functionalization, chemical vapor deposition, and chemical intercalation of 2D materials.
Dr. Brower-Thomas brings to C2QA a passion and a wealth of experience, fostering academic opportunities for aspiring and career quantum researchers. She supports innovative environments and works to align her research with organizational goals to pioneer transformative solutions in quantum advantage and network design. A dedicated philosophy to leverage diverse perspectives and scientific rigor to propel team success is always at her forefront.
In addition, Dr. Brower-Thomas is the PI for the Department of Defense, Defense University Research Instrument Program (DURIP), Growing Perfect Diamond. She is Co-PI for the Center for Quantum Networks (CQN) and supports research thrust 3: Quantum Devices, Materials, and Fundamentals. Dr. Brower-Thomas has taught courses in nanoscience and nanotechnology in the department of chemical engineering.
Dr. Brower-Thomas is the former Co-PI and Howard executive director for the National Science Foundation funded Science and Technology Center, The Center for Integrated Quantum Materials (CIQM). She was the CIQM’s education director, managing programming for undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs across three research institutions and a diverse college network of seven institutions. She was also an investigator in the 2D heterostructure research area. She has held a visiting faculty appointment at Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). She is currently a Harvard Associate which allows her to continue the fruitful collaborations with faculty at Harvard SEAS and Center for Nanoscale Systems’.
In addition to teaching and research, Dr. Brower-Thomas is also a member of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium. Dr. Brower-Thomas has been invited to speak at events supporting STEM education, including developing criteria in quantum education, building a quantum workforce, increasing STEM awareness, addressing racial and gender equality in STEM, and creating culture in research centers. Participating as a keynote speaker and expert panelist for leading institutions in STEM, such as the National Science Foundation, the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, qubitbyqubit, IBM, the Department of Energy, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, Dr. Brower-Thomas offers a multi-faceted perspective to audience participants.
In March 2020, Dr. Brower-Thomas was recognized by her graduate school alma mater, the New York University Tandon School of Engineering, with its Champion Award for the Ninth Annual Women in STEM Conference.
Outside of her academic and research interests, Dr. Brower-Thomas enjoys dancing, cooking, gardening, singing, and traveling. A classically trained dancer and veteran of the stage, she is an advocate for the performing arts. She was a producer and stage manager with her father’s production company, JBV Productions.
Education, Professional and Volunteer Experience
B.S., Chemistry, Howard University
M.S., Chemistry and Ph.D., Materials Chemistry, New York University Tandon School of Engineering
Fellowship, National Research Council, Naval Research Lab, Surface and Microanalysis Division, Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering
Consultant, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Advisory Member, ASCAR
Board Member, Mary Church Terrell House
Board Member, qubitxqubit
Sustaining Member, Junior League of Washington
Member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc