Franklin Student Spotlight: Brianna Garcia

Meet second year Ph.D. student in the department of chemistry, Brianna Garcia.

Originally from La Verne, California, Brianna attended California State Polytechnic Institute, Pomona where she earned her B.S. in Chemistry (Biochemistry option). Now, at the University of Georgia, Brianna works at the Complex Carbohydrates Research Center with Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar and professor of biochemistry and molecular biology Art Edison and professor and head of the department of chemistry Jon Amster.

"My research focuses on using mass spectrometry and NMR to identify unknown metabolites and glycans in C. elegans, and looking at changes in these metabolomic profiles in C. elegans strains with human diseases orthologs. Working in both Dr. Amster and Dr. Edison’s labs really allows me to use both mass spectrometry and NMR [Nuclear Magnetic Resonance] to look into the omics field."

Omics refers to a field of study in biology ending in  -omics, such as genomics, proteomics or metabolomics. Omics aims at the collective characterization and quantification of pools of biological molecules that translate into the structure, function, and dynamics of an organism or organisms.

Her career plans include, "first short term goals of successfully getting my Ph.D., and then long term I would like to complete a post-doc and eventually end up working in academia as a P.I. myself. My research advisors in undergrad and now here in graduate school have really motivated and inspired me to follow this path," she said.

When she's not at the CCRC, Brianna's personal interests include hiking, swimming, reading and watching NASCAR.