Michelle Pantoya

Dr. Michelle Pantoya is the J. W. Wright Regents Endowed Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech University, specializing in combustion of solid fuels and energetic composites. She founded the Energetic Materials Combustion Lab in 2000, which focuses on nano-energetics and energy release rates.

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering (University of California, Davis, 1999)

Her research spans combustion physics, reactive materials, and planetary impact dynamics. Recent articles focus on aluminum oxidation, ballistic impact, and surface chemistry in energetic systems.

Notable scientific award:

• PECASE Award (2004)

She leads NSF-funded STEM education initiatives, co-authors engineering-themed children’s books, and collaborates with the College of Education on K-12 outreach programs.