Veronica Garcia

Veronica Garcia has diverse work experience in the field of microbiology and research. Veronica is currently serving as the Director of Products at Boost Biomes since November 2017. In this role, Veronica leads a team in the isolation, laboratory validation, consortia optimization, and bench-scale production of microbial strains for the development of new products that address agricultural and food waste issues.

Prior to their current role, Veronica worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) from April 2012 to June 2017. During this time, they gained research experience in microbiology.

From January 2007 to August 2010, Veronica worked as a Microbiologist II at NASA. In this role, they monitored microbial activity in air, surface, and water for space missions and contributed to ensuring astronaut health in a space habitat. Veronica also collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, maintained laboratory certifications, and trained laboratory technicians.

Veronica began their career as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at Texas A&M University from October 2004 to December 2006. Here, they studied host-pathogen interactions and used genetic techniques to investigate fungal genes and disease progression.

Veronica also worked as a Laboratory Technician at USDA from February 2004 to May 2004.

Overall, Veronica's work experience demonstrates their expertise in microbiology, research, and leadership, with a focus on addressing agricultural challenges, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring astronaut health in space habitats.

Veronica Garcia completed their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Bioenvironmental Science with minors in Environmental Soil Sciences and Spanish from Texas A&M University. Veronica attended from 2002 to 2006. Later, they pursued their higher education at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), where they obtained their Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Sciences, General. This degree was completed from 2010 to 2017.