Dr. Karen Lozano is the Department Chair and Trustee Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University. An internationally recognized engineer and scientist, she specializes in carbon nanofiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites and scalable nanomanufacturing. Her groundbreaking work has advanced the development of lightweight, high-performance materials for a wide range of industrial and technological applications.

Dr. Lozano is a member of the National Academy of Engineering (2023), the National Academy of Inventors (2020), and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2025), reflecting her pioneering contributions to science, technology, and society. Prior to joining Rice, she held an endowed professorship at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she also co-founded Fiberio Technology Corporation, a successful nanofiber manufacturing company that pioneered the use of Forcespinning® technology for large-scale production of functional nanomaterials.

A trailblazer, Dr. Lozano is deeply committed to expanding access and opportunity in STEM fields. Her leadership combines technical excellence with a passion for mentorship, education, and inclusive innovation.