Q&A with faculty mentor Margaret Garcia

Margaret Garcia is an associate professor of civil, environmental and sustainable engineering in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment. An expert in water infrastructure systems, Garcia uses field observations, statistical analysis and modeling to assess and improve the sustainability and reliability of infrastructure systems in the face of natural and anthropogenic changes. Having worked with FURI student researchers since 2018, spring 2025 marks the first time Garcia has mentored a student in the GCSP research stipend program.

What made you want to get involved as a FURI and GCSP research stipend faculty mentor?

I have worked with undergraduate student researchers throughout my time at ASU, and it is always a very rewarding experience. While I have worked with FURI students before, I have never worked with students in the GCSP research stipend program. This past fall, Shriya Danekar came to chat with me about her professional and research interests and shared her experience as a GCSP student. She was interested in conducting research and brought great skills, so serving as her mentor was an easy yes.

What is your favorite part about seeing your students conduct research?

My favorite part of working with students on research is seeing them recognize their own growth. Starting in a new research area or as a first-time researcher is a challenge. There is often a lot of trial and error as well as some frustration, but then there comes a point where they understand the methods, skillfully interpret results and ask deeper questions. I can often spot this inflection point before students, but once they notice it as well, I love seeing their satisfaction with their own growth and their pride in the work they did to get there.

How have your FURI and GCSP research stipend students had an effect on your research? Have they come up with any research surprises or proposed new directions for your lab?

I have just started working with a GCSP research stipend student this January, so it is too soon to say specifically for GCSP. However, I found that working with undergraduate students is a great asset for my research. They ask unexpected questions because they are less immersed in the field. These questions have led me to question my assumptions and, in some cases, rethink my approach to a problem.

What have you gained from being a FURI and GCSP research stipend mentor? How has the experience been rewarding for you?

One of the fantastic things about the GCSP research stipend program is that it gives students an opportunity to propose their own idea or ask their own question. While their projects are typically related to funded initiatives I have in my research group, the stipend program gives them to freedom to be very creative.

What advice would you give to students who might be interested in participating in FURI, MORE and the GCSP research stipend program?

I would definitely encourage interested students to talk to faculty members about the types of research they do and to develop an application with a faculty member whose research aligns with their interests.

Why should other faculty members become FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend mentors?

Faculty members should get involved for the opportunity to work with curious, highly motivated students.