Biology Professors Honored as Leaders of Influence

Biological sciences professors Tracey Brown and Denise Garcia were honored last summer by the San Diego Business Journal as Leaders of Influence in Life Sciences.

Brown, who joined the faculty in  2002, researches various aspects of conservation, restoration and physiological ecology of vertebrates with a focus on native reptiles. The nomination lauded her for bringing enthusiasm for science into the classroom. It also noted her work in providing advancement opportunities for students through research training grants, especially those designed to increase diversity, and she co-developed and directs CSUSM's Wildfire Science and the Urban Interface bachelor's degree program.

For the past decade, Brown has also been involved with or been co-principal investigator on CSUSM’s NIH Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program that connects underrepresented community college transfer students with biomedical research labs and activities at the university and other local research organizations to ensure they successfully bridge to a four-year institution.

Garcia, who joined the faculty in 1996, focuses on genetics using molecular tools, with research interests in genome restructuring after viral pathogenesis and genetic factors controlling important traits in animals. She is principal investigator and director of the NIH Bridges to the Future Program and principal investigator and director of the McNair Scholars Program. Both programs provide professional development and support to students from underrepresented backgrounds to help them succeed and prepare for careers in their fields.

Garcia is part of the writing and leadership team for the successful HHMI Inclusive Excellence Grant, for which she runs a yearlong STEM Faculty Learning Community that brings knowledge of active learning strategies in STEM. She is also director of the Center for Training, Research, and Educational Excellence (CTREE).