Dr. Maria Salazar
SHPEtina Director, SHPE Chicago Professional Chapter
Chemical Engineer | Energy & Environmental Researcher | Fulbright Scholar
Dr. Maria Salazar brings over two decades of experience in scientific research, with a focus on clean energy, sustainability, and environmental economics. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, a business certificate from Northwestern University, and a Master’s degree in Energy and Environmental Economics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Her academic journey includes research internships in Sweden and Canada, further enriching her global perspective on energy systems.
Dr. Salazar has held research and advisory roles at the U.S. Department of Energy, West Virginia University, University of Illinois–Chicago, the Mexican Petroleum Institute, and the Mexican Electric Research Institute. A Fulbright Scholar, she has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to over 30 conference proceedings, and edited a book on green energy.
She joined SHPE Chicago in early 2025 after closely following the chapter’s impactful work in the professional space. As a board member, her goals include aligning the chapter’s strategies with SHPE National’s mission, driving impact through educational initiatives, and fostering partnerships with academic institutions and corporations.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Salazar is an avid traveler and enjoys hiking mountains and glaciers around the world.
