From Earth to Orbit: Applied and Environmental Microbiology With Veronica Garcia

From leading R&D at a biotech startup company to conducting environmental monitoring for NASA, Veronica Garcia, Ph.D., Scientific Director of the ASM Applied and Environmental Microbiology unit shares how experiences throughout her career have informed her appreciation for microbes and their real-world applications. She also discusses how the ASM AEM unit will support scientists around the globe by fostering collaboration and advocating for scientific advancements in areas like climate change, water systems and food production.

Ashley's Biggest Takeaways

• Prior to her role as Scientific Director for ASM Applied and Environmental Microbiology unit, Garcia was Senior Director of R&D at Boost Biomes, a biotech startup focused on bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers.
• Garcia's passion for microbiology began studying soil remediation at Texas A&M University.
• Seeing microbes under the microscope for the first time felt like discovering "another world," sparking a lifelong fascination with what microbes are and can do.
• Driven by a desire to see her science make an immediate impact, Garcia was drawn to industry after completing her Ph.D.
• At Boost Biomes, a biotech startup company, Veronica helped transform diverse microbial isolates into bio-pesticides, bio-fertilizers and bio-stimulants for agriculture and food. She progressed from bench scientist to senior Director of R&D, overseeing discovery, genomics, bioinformatics and product development, and learned the realities of scale-up, cost, regulation and end-user needs.
• She also monitored air, water and surfaces for the shuttle and ISS and NASA, ensuring astronaut safety by tracking microbial loads and potential pathogens.
• ASM is organizing around 3 scientific units, ASM Applied and Environmental Microbiology (AEM), ASM Health and ASM Mechanism Discovery.
• These units will equip researchers to translate discovery into impact while providing a forum to collectively shape the future of the field.
• The AEM unit provides the space and unique expertise for microbial scientists and partners to directly contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world through applied and environmental innovation and brings together experts whose work connects microbial processes to outcomes in ecosystems, infrastructure, food systems and planetary health.

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