Member Spotlight – Tina Brower Thomas

By Diana Murphy, C2QA OEWD Leader

Photo of Tina Brower Thomas

Tina Brower Thomas

Starting this month, we will spotlight C2QA members who are making moves and contributions within the Quantum Information Science (QIS) Ecosystem. If you have a member that you’d like for us to spotlight, please email c2qa-info@bnl.gov.

Tell us about your educational and professional background.

I received a BS in chemistry from Howard University, an MS in chemistry, and a PhD in materials chemistry from the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. After completing a National Research Council postdoctoral fellowship at the Naval Research Lab, Surface and Microanalysis Division, Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, I consulted in the support of missions of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

Describe your pathway from being a student to becoming a university professor.

My desire to work in academia led me to return to my beloved Howard University in 2007. Since returning, I have been the Assistant Director for the Integration of Research in Education and taught courses in nanoscience and nanotechnology in the Department of Chemical Engineering. 

How would you describe the work that you currently are involved in with quantum?

Currently, I am a research professor in the graduate school. My research focus includes molecular self-assembly, surface functionalization, chemical vapor deposition, and chemical intercalation of 2D materials. In addition to being research faculty in the graduate school at Howard University, I hold a visiting faculty appointment at Harvard University. In the past, I also served as Co-PI for the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Center of Integrated Quantum Materials (CIQM) and as the Center’s executive director at Howard. I am also the CIQM’s Education Director and Investigator in the 2D heterostructure research area. 

What is your role in C2QA?

I am a co-PI for the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA), supporting the materials thrust with collaborative activities that intersect with Quantum Devices, Materials, and Fundamentals.

Are there other areas that you are involved in besides quantum sciences?

Yes. In 2020, I took on the role of Diversity and Inclusion Co-Director for the NSF funded Engineering Research Center, The Center for Quantum Networks. I am also a volunteer on C2QA’s Work Force Development Board, where we are working on programming for the postdocs in the Center. In March of 2020, I was recognized by my graduate school alma mater, New York University, Tandon School of Engineering, with the Champion Award for the Ninth Annual Women in STEM symposium, so that experience was especially humbling.

Do you have any hobbies?

Of course. I enjoy cooking, gardening, singing, and traveling. Being a classically trained dancer and veteran of the stage, I am an advocate for the performing arts. During especially large events, I lend a hand to the family business as a producer and stage manager of my father’s production company, JBV productions. I’m also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a sustaining member of the Junior League of Washington and am on the board of the Mary Church Terrell House.

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