The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department would like to give a warm welcome to their newest innovation teaching faculty member, Blake Lopez, who will join the Lehigh community on August 15. Blake was born and raised in central Oregon before attending Oregon State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering. During his time there, he was involved in undergraduate research on concentrated solar power under the guidance of Dr. Nick AuYeung and gained his first experience in higher education teaching as a learning assistant.
Blake then pursued graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, initially conducting research with Dr. Victor Zavala in energy system optimization. He shifted his focus to use process systems engineering tools to analyze and improve the chemical engineering curriculum. This transition aligned with his growing interest in undergraduate education and preparing for a career in teaching.
Blake is excited to begin his career as a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Lehigh University. "Teaching gives me the opportunity to inspire students and help them discover their interests within the field of chemical engineering. I want my students to leave my courses not only with technical knowledge but also with the tools to think critically, solve problems creatively, and connect their learning to broader contexts." For the fall 2025 semester, he is scheduled to teach CHE151 Heat and Mass Transfer, and CHE397 Outreach in the Chemical Sciences.
Outside of academia, he enjoys hiking, backpacking, and anything else outdoors and looks forward to exploring the East Coast.
Department/Program:
