Every year, Women Engineering Day celebrates the powerful impact women make in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields around the globe. In 2025, we’re honored to spotlight a North Dakota leader who is helping people solve complex challenges with purpose and collaboration—Dr. Diana Lopez, Assistant Professor in the Industrial Manufacturing and Systems Engineering Department at North Dakota State University (NDSU).
From Problems to Possibilities: Dr. Diana Lopez’s Approach to Engineering
Dr. Lopez is an Industrial Engineer, a field focused on improving systems, processes, and operations. Her work isn’t confined to factories or labs—it’s about solving problems wherever they exist.
“I don’t just go in and give solutions,” she explains. “I work with people to understand what’s going wrong, co-create solutions, and implement them together. The key is making sure they’re the right solutions.”
Her approach is collaborative and practical. Whether a company is struggling with customer complaints, inventory bottlenecks, or inefficient workflows, she applies a structured process to analyze the root causes and guide the organization to improvement.
The Power of Engineering in Small Business
While engineering is often associated with large-scale industries, small business owners can also benefit immensely from engineering thinking—especially the kind industrial engineers bring to the table.
Small businesses frequently face challenges such as:
- Limited staff and time
- Inefficient processes
- High operational costs
- Supply chain disruptions
- Quality control or service consistency issues
This is where engineers like Dr. Lopez come in.
“Engineering is about solving problems. If you’re a small business owner dealing with delays, defects, or even trouble understanding customer feedback—an engineer can help,” says Dr. Lopez. “We can analyze what’s going wrong, simplify processes, and help you deliver better results with less waste.”
Small businesses don’t always need high-tech solutions—they need smart, scalable systems. Industrial engineers can help design those systems so businesses run smoother, make better decisions, and grow sustainably.
What She Loves Most
When asked what her favorite part of being an engineer is, Dr. Lopez’s answer is immediate: solving problems and applying knowledge in real-world scenarios.
“I love helping decision-makers in healthcare, services, and manufacturing make better choices. It’s rewarding to see change happen because of a process we improved together.”
Her role as a professor means she’s also deeply invested in training the next generation of problem solvers. She encourages students—especially young women—to explore all the opportunities engineering has to offer.
Advice for Women Interested in Engineering
“It’s a challenge,” Dr. Lopez says of being a woman in the engineering field. “But we bring unique strengths that make us exceptional at solving problems.”
Her message to women and girls thinking about entering the field is simple: Try it.
“Explore your options. See what’s out there. You may find an area of engineering that aligns perfectly with what you love. New industries are being created all the time—you never know where your interests may lead.”
She also advises aspiring engineers to look at professionals they admire and learn more about their path. “There’s more opportunity than you know.”
For Entrepreneurs: You’re Not Alone
As both an engineer and researcher, Dr. Lopez offers practical insight for small business owners:
“Whatever problem you’re facing—someone else has likely faced it, too. Look for what they did. If you can’t find it, seek out someone who can help. You don’t have to do it alone.”
She emphasizes that engineers are valuable partners for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a retail shop dealing with inventory issues or a childcare provider navigating scheduling conflicts, engineers can bring fresh eyes and structured thinking to help you thrive.
And that help can come formally—through consultations or university partnerships—or informally, through local networks and conversations with professionals.
Connect with Dr. Lopez
Dr. Lopez is an incredible example of what’s possible when we combine analytical thinking with empathy, collaboration, and vision. Whether she’s teaching students, working alongside industry partners, or speaking with small businesses, she remains focused on solving meaningful problems that make a lasting difference.
Want to learn more or connect with her? Reach out at diana.lopez@ndsu.edu.
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This Women Engineering Day, we celebrate not just women in STEM—but women like Dr. Diana Lopez who are transforming the future through innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed.
To all the small business owners out there: your next breakthrough might come from thinking like an engineer—or teaming up with one.