Brenda Lopez Reyna

Brenda Lopez Reyna is a President's Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, Davis, specializing in environmental sensing technologies for community-based air quality monitoring.

Her educational background includes:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Riverside
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Riverside
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Riverside

Dr. Lopez Reyna's research bridges mechanical engineering and environmental justice through the development of low-cost sensor networks for detecting toxic air pollutants in underserved communities. Her work specifically investigates non-tailpipe emissions from vehicle braking systems in near-road environments, addressing critical gaps in understanding exposure risks for populations living near transportation corridors. This research combines onboard sensing technology with real-world environmental monitoring to create community-empowering data solutions.

Her recognition includes the prestigious:

• President's Postdoctoral Fellowship (University of California system)

As a postdoctoral researcher mentored by Professor Anthony Wexler, she advances methodologies for deploying accessible air quality monitoring systems while contributing to the department's environmental engineering research initiatives. Her work demonstrates strong potential for securing future environmental health grants focused on community-engaged sensor development.