ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Research Focus

Professor Garcia’s research interests center on the intersection of social behavior, policy analysis, and community development. Her work explores how social policies impact marginalized communities and seeks to identify strategies for creating more equitable and inclusive societies. She employs a range of methodologies, including qualitative interviews, longitudinal surveys, and community-based participatory research, to address complex social issues.

One of her primary research projects investigates the effects of social welfare policies on low-income families, aiming to understand how these policies influence family dynamics, economic stability, and overall well-being. Professor Garcia is also examining the role of community organizations in advocating for social change and promoting civic engagement. Recent studies include:

• Analyzing the long-term effects of housing assistance programs on community health and stability.

• Exploring the impact of educational interventions on youth empowerment and social mobility.

• Investigating the effectiveness of grassroots movements in shaping public policy.

Teaching

Professor Garcia teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Social Policy, Community Development, and Research Methods. Her courses emphasize critical thinking, ethical research practices, and the application of theoretical frameworks to real-world problems.

Awards and Honors: Professor Garcia’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including:

• The Mid Island University Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Research.

• The National Association for Social Work’s Excellence in Policy Research Award.

• A Fellowship from the Social Science Research Council for her project on community advocacy.

• Recognition from the American Sociological Association for Outstanding Contribution to Social Policy Research.