Fernando Garzon

Fernando Garzon serves as a Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of New Mexico and holds a joint appointment as a Faculty Research Scientist at Sandia National Laboratory in the Advanced Materials Laboratory (1815 organization). He directs the Center for Micro-Engineered Materials at UNM and maintains a distinguished research career spanning several decades in materials science and electrochemistry.

Garzon's research focuses on electrochemical energy conversion technologies, with particular expertise in fuel cells, batteries, chemical sensor development, heterogeneous catalysis, and ceramic thin film materials. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy systems and environmental monitoring. His laboratory develops advanced gas sensors for natural gas emissions monitoring, creates novel materials for energy storage in high-temperature environments, and investigates electrochemical synthesis pathways for fuels and chemicals.

Analysis of Garzon's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on materials for energy applications, with particular focus on gas sensors, fuel cell technologies, and electrochemical synthesis methods. His work increasingly incorporates computational approaches and advanced manufacturing techniques like additive manufacturing to develop next-generation materials. The research spans fundamental material properties to practical applications in environmental monitoring and space vehicle power systems.

• Los Alamos National Laboratory 2012 Fellow's Prize for Scientific Leadership
• DOE-EERE Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Program 2009 Award
• Fellow of the Electrochemical Society (2008)
• Scientific American's Top 50 Science and Technology Achievements (2003)
• R&D 100 Award for Sulfur Resistant Oxygen Sensor Technology (1999)

Garzon has secured substantial research funding throughout his career, with extensive collaborations across national laboratories, industry partners including Ford Motor Company, DuPont, and General Motors, as well as numerous academic institutions worldwide. His leadership extends beyond research to significant service roles, having served as President of the Electrochemical Society (2012-2013), Vice President (2009-2012), and currently as a member of the ECS Technical Affairs committee.

At Sandia National Laboratory, Garzon leads research in the Advanced Materials Laboratory, with particular focus on developing advanced explosives forensic technology for national security applications. His UNM research group maintains strong connections with Los Alamos National Laboratory where he previously worked for 26 years, creating a robust pipeline for student training and technology transfer between academic and national laboratory settings.