His scientific background is in space physics, the study of the dynamics of the space environment, with particular focus on the Earth's magnetosphere.
Current research focuses on magnetospheric substorms.
These episodic releases of energy previously extracted by the solar wind and stored in the Earth's magnetosphere are among the most important of magnetospheric phenomena. Other work includes studies of the structure and dynamics of the aurora, and particle acceleration in the Earth's magnetosphere. He has served as a consultant for a number of school districts and groups including the National Science Resources Center. Dr. Lopez plays an active role in education within the American Geophysical Union serving on or chairing several committees.