Agricultural Engineer Specialist in Irrigation with a Master's and PhD in Urban and Environmental Engineering from Hokkaido University, Japan. Member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences, member of the national system of researchers (SNI level 1) and is a CONACYT evaluator, he is a research professor at the Tecnológico de Monterrey and a consultant to various companies and industries.
He has been a researcher at the Japan Science and Technology Agency, at Hokkaido University in the same country. Inventor of 7 patents granted in Mexico, USA, Brazil and India. Author of more than 60 scientific articles published in indexed journals of recognized international prestige and in proceedings of international congresses, conferences and seminars. Author of 10 book chapters published mainly in the English language.
He has participated as a speaker in more than 75 international congresses, conferences and seminars. He worked for 8 years for the Ministry of Agriculture, where he served as head of the certification and technical assistance departments and irrigation units in central offices. He is an active member of the International Water Association (IWA) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Treasurer of the IWA representing Mexico from 2010 - 2011.
Dr. López Zavala has been awarded the 2018 Quetzalcóatl Prize for his scientific and technological contributions in favor of the environment. Recognized in 2016 by Hokkaido University as its ambassador and partner. He received the 2009 Rómulo Garza Prize awarded by ITESM in the category of Research in Science, Technology and Engineering.