Jennifer Brown

Dr. Jennifer Brown is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Montana State University, affiliated with the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering and the Center for Biofilm Engineering. She leads the Magnetic Resonance Lab and focuses on magnetic resonance studies of soft matter and porous media, rheology, and engineering education. Her research integrates advanced imaging techniques with fluid dynamics analysis.

Dr. Brown earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Montana State University in 2007 and a B.S. in the same field in 2001, also from MSU.

Her research interests span multiple disciplines, including:

• Magnetic resonance studies of soft matter and porous media
• Rheology and fluid dynamics analysis
• Engineering education, particularly in active learning and trauma-informed pedagogies
• Mentorship in higher education, including mindfulness-based programs for graduate students

Her recent publications emphasize advancements in engineering education methodologies and rheological studies. Key themes include integrating industry feedback into laboratory curricula, validating technical report rubrics aligned with industry standards, and exploring mindfulness-based mentorship programs to enhance graduate student well-being. In rheology, her work employs Rheo-NMR to investigate shear banding phenomena and fluid dynamics in non-Newtonian systems. These studies contribute to both applied engineering education and fundamental material science research.

Dr. Brown actively contributes to grants such as the NSF-funded "Writing for the client..." and "Collaborative Research: Agency in Chemical Engineering Experiments (ACEE)". She advises graduate students through mentorship programs and offers one-on-one office hours for NACOE students.

She directs the Magnetic Resonance Lab and collaborates with the Center for Biofilm Engineering, focusing on interdisciplinary research in biofilm mechanics and advanced imaging techniques.