Dionne M. Hernández-Lugo is one of 3,000 scientists, engineers, and technical people at The NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Glenn Center designs and develops technology to advance NASA’s missions in aeronautics and space exploration.
NASA Glenn does research and tests game-changing technology in propulsion, aeronautics, materials and structures, communications, power and energy storage, and biomedical sciences.
Hernández-Lugo works as a research electrical engineer in the Photovoltaic and Electrochemical Systems Branch. She is a lead test engineer for Advanced Space Power Systems and the principal Investigator in the development of nano-carbon electrodes for Li-metal batteries.
Her work helps NASA Glenn shape the world of tomorrow by developing technologies that will further exploration of the universe and revolutionize air travel.
How Dionne got to NASA Glenn
She has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry and a Ph. D. in Physical Chemistry.
In 2008 she was awarded the Bridge to Doctorate Fellowship by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The NSF Bridge to the Doctorate Graduate Fellowship Program program was created to help support a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students in their doctoral studies.
Through this program, the NSF seeks to continue its goal of increasing the number of ethnically underrepresented students completing STEM doctoral degrees by offering recipients the opportunity to enroll in graduate program without the financial burden.
Bridge to the Doctorate fellows receive a $30,000 fellowship during their first two years, and the cost of the next three years is paid for by the department (contingent upon availability of funding).
Other benefits include advising and advocacy, professional development, conference travel, a supportive community, and access to a diversity student center.
Dr. Hernandez-Lugo has authored multiple research papers published in international peer reviewed journals and presented in 35 major national and international scientific conferences.
In 2010 she was awarded with the NASA Harriet Jenkins Fellowship given by NASA Headquarters.
The mission of the fellowship was to increase the number of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities participating in mathematics, science, engineering and technology disciplines.
In 2012 NASA recognized Dr. Hernández-Lugo commitment to STEM education and leadership with the NASA Ambassador award and in 2014 she received the Student Leadership Award from the Women in Color in STEM Magazine.
This together with other accomplishments has given her the merit of forming part of the National Association of Professional Woman, Golden Key International Honor Society and the International Women's Leadership Association. She has also served as a science fair judge for elementary as well as middle school students. In NASA she’s served as a volunteer in STEM symposiums.
Before joining NASA, Dr. Hernández-Lugo worked as a research chemist for Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb, where she formed part of their research and development team.