Our Team

Dr. Shy is an executive and strategic leader with 10+ years of experience in leadership, mentoring, and professional speaking. She is also the owner of The Brown Way, a consulting agency focused on building strategic partnerships between corporations and academic institutions. With degrees in Biology and Biological Sciences from Jackson State University (BS) and Tennessee State University (MS, PhD), Dr. Shy is a biochemist with expertise in exercise science, sports physiology, bioinformatics, immunology, and cancer biology from industry and academia backgrounds. Passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation, Dr. Shy is deeply committed to helping youth explore their interests through exposure to STEM and building self-confidence. Her experience with students has shaped her understanding of mentorship. Her guiding philosophy is encapsulated in her favorite self-quote: “If I can be a stepping-stone to help one student get to where they desire to go quicker than I did, then I have served my purpose as a mentor.”

Dr. Keisha Smith Wade is currently a Program Manager and Scientist for a non-profit responsible for managing the process of scientific peer-review projects for state and non-profit organizations. Dr. Smith Wade is a trained neuroscientist with more than 10 years of experience with basic, translational, and clinical research and expertise in mood disorders and substance use disorders. Her mission is to continue to mentor, encourage, and engage people of color in the sciences. 

Dr. Smith Wade is a graduate from Meharry Medical College with a doctorate in biomedical sciences/neuroscience and completed her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Memphis. Dr. Smith Wade was a NIDA T32 Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University, in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and Psychiatry in Addiction Neuroimaging.

Bernadeth is an organized and accomplished Executive Assistant with 8 years of experience and a seasoned Project/Program Manager with 6 years under her belt. She excels in team management, project coordination, ensuring timely task completion, client reporting, and stepping in for colleagues when needed. Bernadeth also has skills in graphic design, SEO, and web design. She looks forward to working with Building Bridges, Inc. because their innovative approach to empowering young girls through STEM education and leadership programs resonates with her passion for fostering inclusive and transformative community initiatives.

A dedicated solo parent for 14 years, Bernadeth finds joy in organizing and designing. She loves crafts, journaling, and anything related to planners. Her main passion is photography. Additionally, she enjoys tutoring kids and creating activities for them. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management.

Dr. Danielle Liubicich is a dedicated educator and relentless optimist whose work has focused on increasing student success in STEM programs. 

Danielle has over 15 years experience in higher education serving in a variety of faculty and administrator roles at 2- and 4-year institutions in CA and IL.  Currently she is the Director of the Math and Science Learning Center at UIC, which is a welcoming space that provides equitable academic support for all students enrolled in introductory-level courses.  She is also a learning community facilitator for an Inclusive Education Scholars Program for educators on campus.

Her educational background includes a BS in Biology from Fairfield University, BSc in Developmental Biology from the Universitty of Chicago, and PhD in Integrative Biology from the University of California Berkeley. 

Outside of her work in STEM education, she enjoys being outdoors and supporting athletes as a certified paratriathlon and triathlon coach.

Dr. Stephanie Adams is an award-winning STEM educator and curriculum developer. Throughout her career, she has also had the privilege to serve as a mentor to many educators, and has been hailed as a “problem-solver” by colleagues. Her career in STEM education started over thirty years ago, at which point she attended Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago, IL) to study Chemical Engineering. Her love for science and her knack for teaching led her to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Education with a specialization in math and science. Dr. Adams went on to obtain a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision and a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

Throughout her educational career, Dr. Adams has instructed K-12, public and private students in math and science. After retiring from one of the largest public school districts in the country in 2023, Dr. Adams has embarked on a journey to bring quality STEM instruction to students of all backgrounds and in all locations, whether from direct instruction, through evidence-based curriculum or by ensuring the presence of quality STEM-educators in the classroom.

Dr. Julie TerWee is a scientist and life-long learner who enjoys seeing the spark come to life in others when they make a  discovery.  She has more than 30 years of R&D and commercial experience in both large and small  pharmaceutical companies and academic laboratories, developing new vaccines and drugs and methods to show that these treatments are safe and effective.  She has an aspiration of increasing inclusiveness and connectedness at all levels because brilliant discoveries and robust decisions can only be made by open minds exposed to a broad range of perspectives. 

Lynn is a seasoned social media manager and graphic designer with a three-year tenure in the industry. Her mission is fueled by a dedication to empowering young girls through STEM education and self-awareness strategies. Through her expertise in graphic design, Lalynn creates captivating visuals that inspire confidence and curiosity in STEM subjects. Her passion lies in equipping young minds with the knowledge and self-assurance to pursue their dreams within the world of STEM and beyond.

Kunashe is a rising third-year undergraduate student at the University of Chicago. Double majoring in Biology and Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity, Kunashe plans to attend medical school to become a practicing position. She is extremely passionate about equity in the healthcare space and has completed science policy and medical management internships to explore these interests. Kunashe joined Building Bridges Inc. because she was excited to participate in the mentorship of young students, and keen to be able to give them experiences that push them further in any path they choose.

She hopes to use this opportunity to help empower and encourage girls to take the challenging path of practicing STEM by sharing her personal experiences. Being able to work directly with students offers a unique perspective that she hopes will help her in her pursuit of medicine and creating a more inclusive environment for people of all ages and backgrounds. 

Trey is a rising third-year student at the University of Chicago, majoring in Computer Science and Philosophy. He is passionate about leveraging technology and critical thinking to create meaningful impact, particularly in the nonprofit sector.

From building his first computer at age 12 to developing a quantum computing encryption algorithm in high school competitions, Trey thrives on solving complex problems. His love for learning extends beyond the classroom—he has traveled to seven different countries, embracing new cultures and perspectives.

Outside of academics, Trey enjoys cooking and baking, robotics, traveling, and camping. He is always eager to explore new ideas, build innovative projects, and contribute to initiatives that make a difference.

Dr. David Allen is a retired Food Scientist who has worked in the food industry for over 30 years. During this time, he worked in both Research and Development and Quality Assurance/Control and launched many domestic and global food and beverage products. As a Food Scientist, David was actively involved in college campus recruiting students at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) for internships in Food Science and Chemical Engineering. He also has served as a mentor for junior scientists and a charter member of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council at his former company.

David holds degrees in Biology and Food Science from Savannah State University and Alabama A&M, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Furthermore, David is a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Bryan Bernat has 25+ years of industrial experience discovering and developing medicines to improve the lives of patients with cancer, chronic kidney disease, hepatitis C and other indications. He has led diverse teams, designed programs, and participated in STEM equity throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Bryan advocates for equity in STEM and healthcare and believes grassroots organizations, like Building Bridges, create the most impact to benefit under resourced communities.

Bryan received a B.S. in Biology from Indiana University-Bloomington, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Vanderbilt University and completed postdoctoral studies at University of Chicago.

Dr. Tony E. Summers has extensive postsecondary education experience. His experience includes Chief Executive Officer of the University of the District of Columbia Community College, Vice President for Student Development at Richland College (one of seven independently accredited colleges in the Dallas County Community College District), Director of Financial Aid and the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the Community College of Allegheny County, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Adjunct instructor at the University of Southern Utah‘s Graduate Program in Public Administration. Dr. Summers is a published author of the text, The Reflective Administrator, a Leader Centered Focus.

Dr. Summers completed his bachelor’s in political science at Duquesne University, his Maters of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, and completed his Doctoral Degree in Adult Learning and Higher Education at Walden University.