Lupita Montoya

Lupita Montoya is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science at San Diego State University (SDSU). Her work bridges environmental engineering, public health, and community engagement, with a focus on environmental justice and exposure science. She actively collaborates with marginalized communities to address air quality issues in both occupational and residential settings.

Research interests include indoor/outdoor air pollution, particulate matter toxicity, and the development of low-cost mitigation technologies. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to solving global environmental challenges while promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.

Recent publications highlight advancements in VOC removal strategies, community-engaged research frameworks, and evaluations of health impacts from geothermal energy and nail salon exposures. She has pioneered methods for assessing oxidative potential of pollutants and improving indoor air quality in vulnerable communities like the Navajo Nation and Latino enclaves in Chile/Peru.

Montoya advocates for equitable academic evaluation systems that recognize community-engaged scholarship. Her work spans 30+ years, integrating fieldwork, laboratory studies, and policy analysis while maintaining a strong commitment to educating future environmental health professionals through innovative pedagogy.