Erick S. Vasquez

Erick S. Vasquez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Dayton’s School of Engineering. His research focuses on designing advanced nanocomposite materials, particularly magnetic nanoparticles, for applications in water purification, drug delivery, and biological detection. He actively collaborates with researchers nationwide and internationally, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation.

Dr. Vasquez holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Mississippi State University (2013), an M.S. from Clemson University (2009), and a B.S. from Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas (2007). He is a Senior Member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and a member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Chemical Society (ACS) and Sigma Xi.

His research interests span nanomaterials synthesis, biomaterials interactions, and engineering education. Notable work includes developing biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles for medical applications and optimizing team-based learning in engineering labs. His studies on optothermal microbubble manufacturing and plasmonic nanostructures have advanced chemical sensing technologies.

Dr. Vasquez teaches courses such as Chemical Engineering Unit Operations Laboratory and Transport Phenomena, integrating active learning and entrepreneurial mindset development. He has received recognition for his research, including a 2019 PCCP Hot Article and a 2016 Journal of Nanobiotechnology featured contribution.

He has secured grants for projects like assessing global engineering competence through international collaborations and advancing ethanol extraction methods using nanocomposites. His work bridges fundamental science with practical applications, emphasizing sustainability and biomedical innovation.