Erika Espinosa-Ortiz

2026 Eldon J Gardner Teacher of the Year Award Nominee

College of Engineering | Biological Engineering

Dr. Erika Espinosa-Ortiz joined the Department of Biological Engineering at Utah State University as an Assistant Professor in 2024. She has a background in Environmental Engineering and received her PhD from the UNESCO IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate Program in Environmental Technologies. Dr. Espinosa-Ortiz’s research focuses on developing enhanced fungal based biotechnologies for a wide range of applications, including bioremediation, wastewater treatment, recovery of value added products from waste, and biomanufacturing. She is also passionate about teaching and mentoring students. Outside the lab, Dr. Espinosa-Ortiz enjoys exploring the trails around Logan on foot and by paddleboard, and taking long walks with her dog.