Sydney Garcia is a recent Master of Environmental Management (MEM) graduate from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment with a concentration in ecosystem science and conservation. Before pursuing her advanced degree, Sydney graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. With specializations in biology and certificate in geographic information systems, Sydney’s overarching career goals involve bridging the gap between conservation in the built environment and human-centered design. Her most recent projects have focused on evaluating ecosystem services of green infrastructure and surveying mental health outcomes of green space elements in Austin. By conducting qualitative and quantitative data analysis, she generates interdisciplinary sustainable solutions for complex issues at the population level that is both cost-efficient and culturally relevant. She is most passionate about protecting Texas’ most vulnerable ecosystems, promoting sustainable practices to combat climate change, and aiding underrepresented minority groups to success.