Minorities in STEAM Texas Tech University

Dr. Lyda G. Garcia is a Visiting Assistant Professor who teaches, conducts research in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Texas Tech University. Additionally, Dr. Garcia serves as the Diversity Coordinator for the Bill Bennett Student Success Center in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at Texas Tech University, with the objective of increasing diversity.

She earned her Associates degree from Clarendon College – Clarendon , TX in Science; a Bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University – Lubbock, TX in Animal Science; a Master's degree from West Texas A&M University – Canyon, TX in both Animal Science and Meat Science; and her doctorate from Texas A&M University – College Station, TX in Meat Science.

 

Dr. Garcia currently teaches an undergraduate meat science course for non-agricultural majors educating students on the basics of meat science that would include, but not limited to: history, rules and regulations of inspection, cookery, Diet/Health, current events, meat quality, Natural/Organic, sensory attributes and its effects on consumer purchasing decisions.  She is also a key player in the department’s outreach programs and industry workshops in English and Spanish (Beef 706; Beef 101; etc).

 

In addition, she conducts research in meat science in the U.S. along with travelling to Mexico and Central America as a food safety team member to collect and process samples for E. coli and Salmonella baseline incidences in processing plants and markets. At the same time, she demonstrates and conducts on-line training on proper handling and sanitation practices.

 

As the Diversity Coordinator, Dr. Garcia assists in increasing diversity in CASNR at Texas Tech University by recruiting first generation students and minorities in pursuit of higher education. She currently advices a group of twenty undergraduate Animal Science students along with three first generation protégées through MentorTECH at Texas Tech University. Additionally, she is the faculty advisor for the Minorities in S.T.E.A.M. (Science Technology Engineering Agriculture and Mathematics).

 

She began her journey of life in a small rural town in south Texas, Hebbronville. Growing up she found her passion in teaching and agriculture. She has been employed with Texas Tech University for three years, where she feels she could not have found a better fit. “I only want to give others what I was given…a chance to succeed” says Dr. Garcia.  “The biggest reward I could receive is knowing I made a positive impact in someone’s life, making a difference.”

 

Ending with her favorite quote, “People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” - Anonymous