Dr Lydia Contreras

Dr. Lydia Contreras serves as Vice Provost for Faculty DEI at UT Austin. She is also co-founder and chief technologyofficer for cognitive growth-centered baby bottle company Griö. “Lydia Contreras is a thoughtful, energetic, and engaged leader and she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this important position,” said Sharon L. Wood, executive vice president, and provost. She is also a member of the Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology. She teaches Introduction to Chemical Engineering Computing, Thermodynamics, Introduction to Chemical Engineering Analysis, and Fundamental and Applications of Cellular Regulation. Contreras received a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation; the Biotechnology and Bioengineering Daniel I.C. Wang Award from the Society for Biological Engineering; and a Young Investigator Award from the Division of Biochemical Technology of the American Chemical Society. She is also, Chair of the Board of Hand to Hold, a national nonprofit that provides personalized emotional support, educational resources, and community before, during, and after a NICU stay. Contreras holds a BSE in chemical engineering from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in chemical and biomolecule.