Lorena Rios Mendoza

Lorena Rios Mendoza is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry Oceanology and a focus on environmental chemistry, she specializes in microplastic pollution and its interaction with toxic compounds in marine and freshwater ecosystems.

• Education: Ph.D. (2001), M.S. (1994), and B.S. (1989) in Coastal Oceanographic Sciences and Chemistry from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

Her research spans microplastic contamination in oceans, Great Lakes, and estuaries, studying adsorption of pollutants like polycyclic aromatic compounds and emerging contaminants (caffeine, phthalates). She emphasizes community education and student involvement in analytical chemistry research.

Recent publications reflect trends in microplastic distribution, ecotoxicology, and pollution pathways across diverse ecosystems, including marine, freshwater, and remote biodiversity hotspots. She collaborates with students to present findings at conferences.

• 2018 – Max H. Lavine Award
• 2018 – Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award
• 2015 – Faculty Mentor of the Year
• 2015 – Making a Difference Award
• 2001 – Mérito Escolar (Scholar Merit)
• 2001 – A Los Mejores Estudiantes de México