Diego’s research focus is on the development of sustainable bio-based materials for advanced health applications. He is the PI at the Bio Nano Advanced Health Materials at the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute at Texas Tech University. Prior to this, he did postdoctoral work at Northeastern University researching the microenvironment of neural cells for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. He holds a PhD in Forest Biomaterials from Auburn University, a M.Sc. in Material Design and Engineering, and a B.S. in Biological Engineering both from Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana in Mexico. He has expertise in nanomaterials and biopolymer surface chemistry, characterization, and 3-D assembly. Equally important is his interest in education and mentoring as tools to harvest a sense of belonging and to build a sustainable future.