Dr. Mendoza is a Senior Researcher in Wind Energy Systems at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, working primarily in wind energy and water power/marine renewable energy. She is also an Environmental Entrepreneurs 2020 1 Hotels Fellow and Emerging Leader. Prior to this, she designed wind turbine blades for SGRE for about three years. As an aerodynamicist, she developed new airfoils, new blades, and various aerodynamic devices for onshore and offshore wind turbines. She has also worked for Boeing in the aerospace industry for roughly 3.5 years in various roles, and was an emerging leader in Boeing's Leadership Excellence Acceleration Program. She has a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M, supported by multiple scholarships, fellowships (NSF GRFP Fellow), honors, and awards. She has authored/co-authored many conference papers and has several patents in progress. Dr. Mendoza is a passionate champion for women and minorities in STEM and renewable energy, diversity & inclusion, and saving the planet. She has mentored extensively, volunteered for various STEM-related educational outreach activities to K-12 girls, and served as a professional role model. She actively volunteers with multiple professional/social organizations focusing on women and minorities in STEM and environmental/ecological restoration.