Scientists and engineers do essential and groundbreaking work in all areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). In honor of National STEM Day on November 8, the FDA is showcasing the superheroes at FDA Food who use STEM to keep food safe.

They have also created a few videos to showcase the innovative and fascinating STEM work that our scientists do each day.

The videos feature FDA Chief Scientist Namandjé Bumpus, Superheroes at FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) who use STEM to keep your food safe, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine; and scientists, scientists, doctors, pharmacists, engineers, and mathematicians at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) who work to ensure that drugs are safe and effective.

Earlier this year, Paige Brown, an electrical engineer and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging program manager at the United States Food and Drug Administration, won the Professional Achievement in Government Award at the BEYA STEM Conference.

An accomplished engineer, Brown protects public health in the United States by ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices. She also has experience researching, developing, and leading diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in engineering education and the workplace.

As a recent graduate of the engineering education doctoral program, Brown is the new diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility officer for the labor department. She aspires to help transform the engineering culture to be inclusive and welcoming to all.

“I would not be here today accepting this particular award if it weren’t for the influential individuals who helped me begin my career in the federal government,” she said in her acceptance speech at the 2023 BEYA gala. “My path would have been different if it weren’t for Mr. Larry Wilkerson and Mr. Coolidge Hamlett serving as my mentors, sponsors, and advocates to other young Black engineers and me. Their encouragement and advice set me up to excel as an engineer in the federal government; I strive to be the same source of support for other engineers in their professional engineering journey.”

In honor of #NationalSTEMDay on November 8, find out about how the superheroes at @FDAfood use STEM to keep your food safe.

Maybe they will inspire you to become a CFSAN Superhero! https://t.co/8P1CsZOwW1 pic.twitter.com/M4Sne0i1Of

— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) November 1, 2023