Ramon Lopez received his B.S. in Physics in 1980 from the University of Illinois, and his Ph.D. in Space Physics in 1986 from Rice University. He is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) where he leads a research group working in both space physics and science education. He is also a Co-Director for the UTA UTeach teacher preparation program. His current research focuses solar wind-magnetosphere coupling and factors that lead to student success in physics.

Dr. Lopez is active in promoting science education and diversity in science at all levels. He was one of the Co-Chairs of the writing team that produced the Next Generation Science Standards. He has also served on scientific or education committees of the American Geophysical Union, the American Physical Society (APS), the National Academy of Sciences, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), and from 2018 - May, 2021, he was President of the National Society of Hispanic Physicists. Dr. Lopez is the recipient of awards including the 2002 APS Nicholson Medal, the 2010 SACNAS Distinguished Scientist Award, the 2012 APS Edward A. Bouchet Award, and two NASA Group Achievements Awards. Dr. Lopez is a Fellow of the APS, AAPT and of the AAAS.