CREATE Spotlight
Victor M. Garcia
Victor Garcia holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at El Paso. He is currently a Research Civil Engineer at the U.S. Army - Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), where he collaborates on research projects that focus on improving the design, construction, and evaluation practices for airfields and pavement systems. As a part of US Army ERDC, he is a supporting member of the UNUM Summer Student Engagement program, which exposes summer interns to technical challenges on diverse engineering and science concepts. Since 2020, Victor has been collaborating with UTEP faculty on education programs as a part of the CREaTE program. His involvement with CREaTE is primarily on supporting research assistants to develop and disseminate research projects sponsored by the U.S. DoEd. Victor’s research interests are in the areas of transportation infrastructure and pavement materials, STEM education, and professional opportunities for minority student groups. When Victor is not working, he enjoys walking with Ossy, his 3-year-old pomsky, at the Vicksburg National Military Park and downtown area to relax and renergize.
- What resources did you utilize that helped you get to where you are now?
- Collaborate on different projects with faculty, seek mentorship from diverse faculty members, apply to scholarships and fellowships, publish and present my work constantly, and network with professionals outside campus.
- What is the most valuable piece of advice or thing that you’ve learned in your academic years?
- Your life is your greatest responsability; keep investing on yourself and do not forget to support others.
- What are the most underrated skills for someone to have in your field?
- Surely many non-technical (soft) abilities like communication, cooperation, being proactive, and leadership.
- What projects or activities/projects/ UTEP Resources would you recommend students to partake in to prepare them for professional careers? Which ones did you personally partake in?
- I enjoyed much developing research projects with faculty. Other activities were participating actively in a student organization, attending and networking at conferences, doing a study abroad program, and pursuing an advanced academic degree, i.e., Master's or PhD.
- What is your advice for students who are interested in conducting research but don't know where to start?
- There are lots of opportunities at UTEP. You need to be proactive and serious about it. Learn about research interests of faculty in your department and contact them. Be patient and persistent, You will be in good shape if you find a valuable topic, practice your curiosity to learn, and willingness to explore the unknown.
- What is the most important thing you have learned since starting your professional career?
- Collaboration is a powerful strategy to learn and teach from one another while combining individual talents. Adversity is just another opportunity to know yourself and learn holistically in your life.
