Denise Garcia has worked in environmental research and community engagement for 4 years. She has helped youth groups and non-profit organizations develop research questions and learn to use mapping tools to meet their unique project needs.  She earned a M.S. degree in Science and Management of Rangelands from the University of Arizona. Her degree focused on community-led environmental research projects with the Arizona Cooperative Extension and the Arizona Remote Sensing Center.

Denise served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal as an agroforestry extension specialist from 2013-2015. She helped organize students, women's groups, and farmers interested in planting trees to expand the Green Wall and provide income for families.