Professor Mike Lopez's journey into the field of astronomy and physics education is rooted in his upbringing in Santa Ana, California. Born to immigrant parents from Oaxaca, Mexico, Lopez grew up in a close-knit family with very humble beginnings. "My parents immigrated from Oaxaca. Our home was small, and we worked hard to make the most of what we had, and that really bonded us together." His family’s support and sacrifices laid the foundation for his path toward education and success.

Lopez’s parents sacrificed much to provide for their children. "I saw that education was a pathway to improve our situation. It was also something that our parents really instilled in us," he explained. Lopez credits his family’s strong work ethic and commitment to education for his success in the sciences. "They would sacrifice so we could have our school supplies, so we could have food on the table," he said.

Growing up with such a strong sense of family unity, Lopez has brought those values into his teaching. "Growing up in a Mexican household, we look out for each other. The family unit is so strong, so tightly bonded that we sacrifice for each other," he noted. These values have shaped his approach to mentoring students in the classroom. "I want us to get to know each other, and I want my students to feel that sense of belonging," Lopez added. His focus on building empathy and collaboration in the classroom encourages students to not only excel academically but to develop lifelong skills.

Lopez’s passion for science began at a young age. "One part that comes to mind is in high school. I was involved in sports, but I was also a big nerd," he recalled. "I remember there was a dance coming up, and the night before a math competition, I was practicing math problems. I got stuck on a pre-calculus problem for weeks, but eventually, I solved it. The next day, I went to the competition and ended up winning first place. I was really surprised, because I wasn’t expecting it. But it taught me two things: I really enjoy solving problems, and if you put in the work, you can succeed."

His love for problem-solving evolved into a career in physics, with a particular focus on astronomy. "It’s probably a little cliché, but it has to be black holes and dark matter," Lopez said when asked about his favorite areas of research. "With black holes, it’s a paradox in physics. You have quantum mechanics and general relativity, two theories we idolize, but when you put them together in a black hole, they break down. It's just really interesting, and I love hearing about new theories or discoveries being made."

Lopez has also worked extensively in physics education research, focusing on how social factors impact student success. "We found that students’ sense of belonging is so important. At Ohio State, we surveyed students and found that those who felt intimidated in physics tended to perform worse in their courses," Lopez explained. "That sense of belonging really affects their success." His research in this area is particularly meaningful, as Lopez himself struggled with feelings of isolation as a Latino student at UC San Diego. "I didn’t always feel like I could relate to my classmates. That lack of connection, that feeling of being out of place, really stuck with me," he shared.

Lopez is working to address these challenges in the physics classroom, aiming to make physics more accessible and supportive for all students. "If you feel like you don’t belong, but you aren’t intimidated, then you have a better chance at doing well in the course," he said. His work is groundbreaking in how it connects the emotional and social aspects of learning with academic success, aiming to create a more inclusive environment for future physicists.

While Lopez's career has led him to many exciting research opportunities, he still finds inspiration in the big questions of the universe. "I emphasize this because it's good for students to know that we don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. It makes physics and astronomy feel more relatable and less intimidating," Lopez explained, emphasizing his ongoing interest in dark matter and black holes. "It’s definitely a huge curiosity."

As for the future, Lopez remains focused on his efforts to improve the accessibility of physics education. "If astronomy and physics want the best and brightest, they will need to be more inclusive. Fortunately, it is slowly becoming more diverse, and there is no better place to develop our future scientists than in our community colleges. Our students are working, taking care of their families, and still excelling in their scientific studies with passion," he stated. "As for astronomy, black holes and dark matter are definitely areas where the future of the field is heading."

Lopez’s work continues to inspire both students and fellow researchers alike, as he strives to make the world of physics more inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.