Stella Quinones

Dr. Stella Quinones is an Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering (MMBME) at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). With over 20 years of academic experience, her work bridges engineering education and materials science. Her research focuses on engineering education strategies to increase diversity in STEM, particularly for women and first-year students. She also develops innovative sensors for biomedical applications, including non-invasive glucose monitoring, and investigates materials for aerospace and energy technologies like CdTe thin films and high strain-rate materials. Her educational initiatives include hands-on coursework in sensor design and quantum mechanics tailored for electrical engineers, which have improved student outcomes. Dr. Quinones emphasizes active learning through technology integration and mentorship programs to support academic success.

Her research interests span multiple disciplines, including biomedical sensors, nanoscale manufacturing, and materials characterization. She has contributed to advancements in 3D manufacturing and the analysis of materials under extreme conditions such as hypervelocity impacts. Her pedagogical innovations include a first-year hands-on sensor design course that increased passing rates in subsequent engineering courses. Dr. Quinones also leads efforts in curriculum development and collaborative educational programs to enhance STEM retention.

Dr. Quinones’ articles highlight her work in materials science, sensor technology, and educational methodologies. Her recent studies explore corrosion behavior of high-entropy alloys, machine learning in glucose sensing, and modular motion control systems for printed electronics. She has published extensively on semiconductor materials, quantum device physics, and the microstructural analysis of metals exposed to space environments.

In advising and grants, Dr. Quinones focuses on mentorship programs for at-risk students and interventions to improve academic and career trajectories. She has been instrumental in securing funding for educational initiatives and materials research through partnerships with organizations like ProQuest/Pivot. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment is central to her work at UTEP.