Full Professor & Department Chair
Environmental Analytical Chemist
Email: liz.diaz2@upr.edu
Office: CN 330, CN 129 Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
Biography
Dr. Liz M. Díaz Vázquez is an environmental analytical chemist and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. Her work focuses on environmental nanotechnology, pollutant detection, and the development of sustainable materials. Originally from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, Dr. Díaz earned her B.Sc. (2000) and Ph.D. (2005) in Chemistry from UPR-Río Piedras. She has held postdoctoral and faculty fellowships with the Institute of Biotechnology and the Department of Homeland Security.
As a professor, she has taught courses in analytical and environmental chemistry, instrumental methods, and science communication. Dr. Díaz directs the Center for Innovation, Research, and Education in Environmental Nanotechnology (CIRE2N) and the Center for the Advancement of Hybrid Research for Underrepresented Students (CAHREUS). She co-directs PR-SPRInT, a NASA-related training program, and leads outreach and education efforts for the Center for the Advancement of Wearable Technology (CAWT). She also is part of the leading researchers of the Vieques Environment Health and Community Action (VASAC) project. Dr. Díaz has been a mentor and role model for countless students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. She is actively involved in initiatives aimed at diversifying STEM fields. She is the founder of the initiative Empowering the Next Generation of Latinas in STEM, and has coordinated numerous programs that inspire young scientists across Puerto Rico.
Research Interests
Dr. Díaz Vázquez’s research focuses on addressing pressing environmental challenges through cutting-edge analytical chemistry techniques and interdisciplinary collaborations. Her current projects include:
- Environmental Nanotechnology: Investigating the fate of nanomaterials in marine ecosystems, particularly their interactions with model bacteria, coral reefs and macroalgae.
- Pollutant Detection: Developing portable, highly sensitive sensors for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics, and heavy metals in environmental samples.
- Sustainable Materials: Leveraging algal biomass and wastes for the development of innovative bioproducts, including drug delivery systems, cosmetics, textiles, biofuels, fuel cell membranes, and solid electrolytes for advanced battery technologies.
- Coral Health: Exploring nanoparticle-based treatments to mitigate coral bleaching and enhance coral resilience.
- Community-Driven Science: Promoting environmental justice through citizen science initiatives and educational outreach.
- Chemistry Education and Communication: Dr. Díaz is dedicated to enhancing the accessibility of research practices and advancing science communication skills for graduate students and researchers. Her efforts aim to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and effective dissemination to diverse audiences, fostering inclusive and impactful education in STEM.
Publications
Liz M Díaz-Vázquez – Google Scholar
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6285-0102