Maria A. Garcia

Salt Lake City is a place of striking contrasts. On one hand, the Wasatch Mountains provide an unparalleled natural playground, offering breathtaking views and countless outdoor activities. On the other hand, the city's geography and climate present significant air quality challenges, especially during winter when persistent cold air pools trap emissions, creating hazardous pollution levels. Ironically, the best days for air quality research are often the worst days for breathing.

 

Adding to this, the exposed playas of the Great Salt Lake contribute dust to the air, while smoke from summer wildfires further exacerbates poor air quality. These combined factors shape the air we breathe every day, impacting our health and environment.

To address these challenges, continuous in situ measurements are vital for understanding air quality trends and their effects on health. I am deeply committed to maintaining a long-term record of key atmospheric measurements, including greenhouse gases, aerosols, ozone, and NOx. This network is not only essential for identifying trends but also for informing policies and actions to mitigate air pollution's impact. My passion lies in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these measurements, contributing to a healthier and more informed community.

I am a Research Associate in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Utah, based in Salt Lake City. As a staff scientist, I manage laboratories and field sites that monitor greenhouse gases, air quality, and aerosols.

In addition to my research, I serve as the program manager for the Research Experience in Alpine Meteorology (REALM) REU. I oversee recruitment and website operations while also mentoring and managing students throughout the 10-week program. I provide guidance on research projects, foster professional development, and help create a transformative experience that prepares undergraduates for careers in science. My goal is to ensure students gain meaningful, hands-on research opportunities that shape their futures as scientists.

My path to science has been anything but conventional. Growing up in sunny Southern California, I developed a love for the outdoors and an active lifestyle. After earning a business degree from California State University, Northridge, I spent two decades in management. But my lifelong curiosity about science eventually led me back to college, where I discovered a deep passion for chemistry.

During graduate school, I focused on gas-phase optical spectroscopy, earning my PhD from the University of Utah. This work blended my analytical mindset with my fascination for discovery.

Today, living in Salt Lake City provides the perfect balance. The Wasatch Mountains are my outdoor playground, fueling my love for year-round adventures—whether it’s hiking, skiing, mountain biking, or kayaking. The region’s natural beauty and environmental challenges continually inspire my work and reinforce my passion for atmospheric science.