Spectrum News highlights UC cosmetic science student

Cosmetics is a billion dollar industry, and people like Najay Brown are a key component of the industry.

Brown is a student in the University of Cincinnati's James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy cosmetic science master's program through UC Online and a cosmetic chemist at Slarutan Labs in Tampa, Florida. She formulates personal care products, like shampoos, conditioners and styling products, at the lab.

Brown's master's thesis is focused on dandruff, and she said she wants her research to be a tool for dermatologists and hair care professionals. Brown said she also wants to inspire the next generation of cosmetic chemists and will serve as a guest presenter at an upcoming "Science of Beauty" summer camp in Tampa.

"I think its important for young women, especially young Black women, to see that there are other avenues in life," Brown told Spectrum News.

Watch the Spectrum News story.

Featured photo at top courtesy of Unsplash.

Related Stories

1

What is the 'cicada' COVID variant?

April 6, 2026

A formerly rare strain of COVID, BA.3.2, now is showing up in Ohio and 24 other states. Experts say so far it hasn't caused illness any more severe than other strains, but it might be somewhat more resistant to vaccines, as 91.7 WVXU News recently reported. Scientists have nicknamed the variant "cicada" due to its former low profile and current resurgence.

2

UC opens zebrafish research facility to study infertility

April 6, 2026

The University of Cincinnati is launching a state-of-the-art zebrafish research facility that scientists say could help explain how environmental toxins affect fertility, as WKRC-TV/Local 12 and WLWT-TV/Ch. 5 recently reported.

3

UC launches new Center for Public Health

April 6, 2026

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine recently announced Suzanne Judd, PhD, as the inaugural director of its new Center for Public Health. The hire follows a national search launched in August 2025, as the Cincinnati Business Courier reported.