Nicole Garcia
As a recent graduate from NC State with a B.S. in Environmental Sciences, my goal is to make environmental data more accessible, actionable, and community-centered. I am especially interested in the intersections of climate change & public health and how public communication/storytelling can build trust and drive change at the local level.
Throughout my undergraduate experience, I have focused on connecting scientific research with public engagement. I’ve contributed to applied projects through initiatives like Campus As A Classroom, where I helped connect the public to urban forestry, and participated in research focused on the impact of HABs in eastern NC waters & using community science as an environmental monitoring tool. These opportunities have deepened my interest in how climate information is communicated and understood by diverse audiences, especially those historically excluded from environmental decision-making processes.
Working with the Location Matters Lab, I hope to increase public awareness and participation amidst the emerging algal bloom season as the local communities are the ones most affected by these. I believe community engagement is the key to creating environmental change and mitigating public health risks.
Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in climate change & society to continue building the skills necessary for a career in climate communication and policy engagement.