Mya Brown

Education

San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Bachelors of Science in Chemistry, 2017
 
University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana, West Africa
Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research
(MHIRT) Fellowship, Summer 2015
 
Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ
Associate’s in Arts of Science, 2012
 
New College Nottingham, Nottingham, England, UK       
Study Abroad, Summer 2011

Research

Research Assistant
February 2015 – Current
Initiative for Maximizing Student Development Minority Biomedical
(IMSD-MBRS) Program
 
Project focused on environmental and biomedical applications for the detection of nicotine and cotinine for third hand smoke studies as well as biomarkers for breast cancer detection using nonlinear laser wave mixing detection and separation by capillary electrophoresis.
 
Research Trainee
Summer 2015
MHIRT program
Research trainee focused on identifying and isolating chemical constituents present in Scoparia dulcis Linn., a plant known to have anti-diabetic effects. Conducted a series of phytochemical tests and procedures to identify and isolate organic compounds present in traditional West African herbal medicine. 

Awards and Funding

 Initiative for Maximizing Student Developmen
(IMSD-MBRS) 
Spring 2015 - Current

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program
Fall 2015 – Spring 2016
 
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
(LSAMP) Program  ·  Spring 2013
Community College Transfer Scholar’s Program
 
Ruby C. Stinson Whole Heart Award Scholarship   ·  2014
 
Mesa Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship  ·  2010

Publications

Mya Brown, Zarina Munshi and William G. Tong (2016) Sensitive Detection and Separation of Nicotine and its Metabolites by Laser Wave-Mixing Spectroscopy for Environmental and Biomedical Applications. SDSU Undergraduate Research Symposium Oral Presentation
 
Pradel, Jean S., Zarina Munshi, Alex Jackson, Megan Murphy, Mya Brown, and William G. Tong (2016). "Ultrasensitive Laser Wave-mixing Spectroscopic Method for Detection and Separation of Biomarkers and Carcinogenic Pollutants." Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization XIX (September 30, 2016); doi:10.1117/12.2238489; http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.2238489
 
Brown, Mya; Pradel, Jean S.; Ramos, Shashary; Tong, William G. (2016): Sensitive Detection of Proteins and Cancer Markers by Nonlinear Laser Wave-Mixing Detection and Capillary Electrophoresis. 75th San Diego ACS Anniversary Symposium Poster presentation
 
Mya Brown, Alexander Jackson, Zarina Munshi, and William Tong (2015): Sensitive Nonlinear Laser Wave-Mixing Detection Method for Early Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students Poster B112
 
Brown, Mya; Pradel, Jean S.; Ramos, Shashary; Tong, William G. (2015): Sensitive Detection of Proteins and Cancer Markers by Nonlinear Laser Wave-Mixing Detection and Capillary Electrophoresis. 45th Western Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, San Marcos, CA page WRM-252 conference, meeting abstract; online computer file Poster Presentation
 
Megan Murphy, Mya Brown, Jean Sebastien Pradel, and William G. Tong (2015): Ultrasensitive Sensitive Nonlinear Multi-Photon Laser Wave-Mixing Detection Methods for Environmental and Biomedical Applications. The ACS Southern California Undergraduate Research Conference in Chemistry and Biochemistry Poster Presentation
 
Mya Brown, Jean Sebastien Pradel, Shashary Ramos and William G. Tong (2016): Sensitive Detection of Proteins and Biomarkers by Nonlinear Laser Wave-Mixing Detection and Capillary Electrophoresis. San Diego State University Student Research Symposium Poster 4 abstract C09
 
Mya Brown, Zarina Munshi and William G. Tong (2016) Sensitive Detection and Separation of Nicotine and its Metabolites by Laser Wave-Mixing Spectroscopy for Environmental and Biomedical Applications. SoCal Undergraduate Research Symposium Poster Presentation

Academic Service and Relevant Experience

Vice President, Black Student Science Organization
August 2014-May 2015
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Along with working closely with the president served as coordinator and facilitator for the annual event between the community, campus, and members of the organization. During the term, prepared and planned a interactive event titled “Hands on Science Fair” for children in 1st – 6th grade.
 
Lead Mentor, Introduction to Campus Activity and Networking
August 2014-May 2015
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Helped new freshmen and transfer students majoring in a science feel connected to the University and the College of Sciences by assisting them through the maze of rules, regulations, and expectations and activities of college live. Supervised 10 peer mentors with a class of over 200 freshmen and transfer students. Provided support and a medium for the mentors with their protégés and the instructor of the course.
 
Intern, National Society of Black Engineers
Summer 2014
Mackenzie Elementary-Middle School, Detroit, MI
Taught general math and science concepts to students at appropriate age level. Supervised and managed children of varying ages, while keeping them actively engaged.
 
Secretary, Black Student Science Organization
August 2013-May 2014
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Served as liaison between the general body members and the executive board. Kept efficient records and an accounting of minutes of all meetings and communicated via email to all members of the organization.
 
Tutor, America Reads
August 2010-May 2012
Mesa Arts Academy, Mesa, AZ
Helped children increase their literacy skills and achievement levels. Provided children who needed additional help in reading with extended learning time.

Memberships

Member, Black Student Science Organization (BSSO) 
August 2012 – Present
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
 
Member, American Chemical Society (ACS)
August 2014-Present
 
Member, Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and
Native Americans in Science
May 2016-Present
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
 
Member, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
August 2014-May 2015
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
 
Member, Future Educators Club (FEC) 
August 2010-May 2012
Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ

Technical Skills

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Ultra-Visible Spectroscopy
Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, AIDA Compiler