Gabriel P. López, Ph.D., a graduate of the UW’s Chemical Engineering program and member of the UW Bioengineering Advisory Board, has been honored with the 2025 UW College of Engineering Diamond Award for creating a healthier and more just world. The Diamond Awards recognize alumni and friends who have made significant contributions to the field of engineering. Currently a Distinguished Professor and interim chair at the University of New Mexico’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, López has dedicated his career to addressing health and environmental disparities through innovative technologies like low-cost paper-based microfluidics for rapid diagnostics and biosensors for detecting water contamination, particularly in underserved and Native American communities.
López’s impact also extends to education and community engagement. As the founding director of UNM’s Center for Biomedical Engineering, he launched New Mexico’s first biomedical engineering graduate program and developed a synthetic biology curriculum emphasizing bioethics and inclusion. With more than 40 patents, 250 publications, and honors such as the NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impact Award, López exemplifies how engineering innovation can drive equity and sustainability.
As a UW Bioengineering Advisory Board member, López provides critical guidance on strategic planning, curriculum review and strengthening connections with industry and alumni. The board supports the department’s mission by fostering student success through internships, job placement and research opportunities while advocating for funding and technology transfer. López’s visionary leadership continues to inspire efforts to create a healthier, more equitable world. Read more about López and the other 2025 Diamond Award honorees.