Maritza Sanchez

Maritza Sanchez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at California State University, Los Angeles, within the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology. Her work spans teaching, research, and service, with a focus on creating inclusive environments for engineering students.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of California, San Diego
• M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of California, San Diego
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Los Angeles

Dr. Sanchez's research centers on ceramic materials for extreme environments, particularly ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) for high-speed flight applications. Her lab develops new material systems through synthesis and processing methods to enhance mechanical, oxidation, and thermal properties. Future work extends to ceramic materials for alternate energy sources. She also explores phosphor materials for lighting applications, as seen in her publications on red-emitting and color-tunable phosphors.

Her recent scholarly output shows a strong emphasis on materials for aerospace and energy, with a notable focus on UHTCs and phosphor synthesis. The work often involves collaboration with national laboratories and leverages advanced characterization techniques.

Among her accolades are the Exceptional Levels of Service Award (2024-2025), Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Minority Ph.D. Program Scholarship, AAUW Dissertation Fellowship (2021), and SHPE Graduate Student Role Model (2018). These highlight her commitment to research and service.

• Exceptional Levels of Service Award (AY 2024-2025)
• Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Minority Ph.D. (MPHD) Program Scholar
• American Association of University Women (AAUW) Dissertation Fellow (2021)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Graduate Student Role Model (2018)

Dr. Sanchez actively mentors students, currently advising undergraduate Eric Galstyan on rare-earth oxides and Master's student Stephen Salazar on rare-earth doped zirconium diboride. She serves as the Faculty Advisor for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and participates in departmental committees. Her research is supported by grants from the Air Force Research Laboratory (ML-RCP) and the National Science Foundation (CREST CATSUS), enabling cutting-edge work in ceramic materials.

She leads a research laboratory focused on ceramic synthesis and testing, and is affiliated with the CATSUS Research Center at Cal State LA, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in sustainable materials science.