ABOUT The Founder

My Path in STEM

I’m Dr. Daniel Brown, a scientist, educator, and mentor with over 15 years of experience in STEM education, research, and career development. My journey in STEM began at Elon University, where I earned a B.S. in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Philosophy. I went on to earn a Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology from Duke University, where my research focused on the later-life effects of embryonic exposure to environmental contaminants. During my doctoral studies, I also completed certifications in Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health, College Teaching, and Preparing Future Faculty, solidifying my expertise in mentorship, curriculum development, and student advising.

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Following my Ph.D., I pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as part of the SPIRE program, which combined advanced research in developmental biology with extensive teaching experience. I have since served as a professor, mentor, and research advisor at multiple institutions, including Western Carolina University and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Over the years, I have:

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🔹 Mentored 50+ students, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, in STEM research, professional development, and career transitions.

🔹 Taught and developed curricula across multiple scientific disciplines, including biology, toxicology, environmental science, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and science communication.

🔹 Guided students through scholarship, graduate school, and professional school applications, helping them secure funding and placements in competitive programs.

🔹 Served on hiring and awards committees in both academia and industry, evaluating candidates for faculty and staff positions, research roles, and professional honors.

🔹 Led professional development workshops for educators and researchers, focusing on improving STEM instruction and career readiness.

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Beyond Academia

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Beyond academia, I have worked extensively in regulatory toxicology and quality assurance (QA), applying my expertise to government, industry, and consumer product safety. I served as a Toxicologist at Duke University, where I conducted risk assessments and regulatory reviews for consumer products, ensuring compliance with U.S. and international safety standards. I collaborated with clients in various industries, providing technical evaluations and compliance guidance for chemical and product safety.

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Currently, as a Program Manager and Senior Toxicologist, I oversee quality assessment, data audits, and regulatory compliance for toxicology studies that shape public health policies. I work closely with agencies like NIEHS and the EPA, ensuring the integrity of toxicological data used in regulatory decision-making. This experience has provided me with a deep understanding of industry, regulatory science, and career pathways beyond academia.

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Bridge2STEM Consulting

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Recognizing the need for personalized, expert guidance in STEM career development, I founded Bridge2STEM Consulting. My mission is to help students, early-career professionals, and organizations navigate the evolving STEM landscape with confidence and clarity. Through one-on-one mentorship, career coaching, and scientific consulting, I provide:

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✔ Academic & Career Planning – Helping students and professionals optimize their education, research, and job search strategies.

✔ STEM Job & Graduate School Preparation – Offering resume reviews, application coaching, and interview training.

✔ Regulatory & Scientific Consulting – Supporting researchers, educators, and organizations in toxicology, QA, and research design.

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At Bridge2STEM Consulting, I’m committed to bridging the gap between education, research, and industry—ensuring that my clients receive the expert mentorship, strategic insights, and professional support needed to succeed in their STEM journey.

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If you're looking for guidance in STEM career planning, research development, or regulatory consulting, I’d love to help you take the next step.