Jose L. Tabarez Jr., a civil engineering senior and senator for the College of Engineering and Computer Science, today hands Karen Lozano, a professor of mechanical engineering, a Student Government Association resolution honoring her “ as an exceptional faculty member, mentor, and leader at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).” Lozano was also recognized for demonstrating “an unwavering commitment to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and previously the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA), advancing engineering education, pioneering research initiatives, and fostering community outreach in the Rio Grande Valley for over 25 years.” She holds the positions of Julia Beecherl Endowed Professor, director of the UTRGV Nanotechnology Center and the department of Mechanical Engineering. Lozano has been hired by Rice University as department chair and trustee professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering starting Jan. 1, 2025. Raquel Cazares/THE RIDER Student Government Association members pose with Professor Karen Lozano after honoring her today in the Academic Services Building on the Edinburg campus. Also shown are Jose L. Tabarez Jr. (from left), a civil engineering senior and senator for the College of Engineering and Computer Science; Ingridy Foltran, a civil engineering senior and senator for the College of Engineering and Computer Science; Laura Reyes Cortes, an information systems junior and SGA chair of the Senate; and Juana Jimenez Lopez, a health science graduate student and SGA external vice president. Raquel Cazares/THE RIDER Professor Karen Lozano speaks after being honored today by the Student Government Association. Lozano holds the positions of Julia Beecherl Endowed Professor, director of the UTRGV Nanotechnology Center and the department of Mechanical Engineering. She has been hired by Rice University as department chair and trustee professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering starting Jan. 1, 2025. Lozano “established a nationally recognized R1 research program at UTPA and UTRGV, transforming the institutions into centers of cutting-edge research and earning accolades from distinguished entities, including the White House, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Inventors,” according to the resolution. Raquel Cazares/THE RIDER
