Dr. Jason Garcia’s journey to a career in public health at USF’s College of Public Health (COPH) didn’t begin in a lecture hall. It began at his first job as a microbiologist with a Nestlé plant, shortly after earning his undergraduate degree in biology from Florida Gulf Coast University. His role was to ensure that no chemical, biological or physical hazards contaminated the food supply. As he worked to prevent recalls and outbreaks, which have the potential to become serious public health crises, he realized that his efforts had a name: public health.
Although he initially aspired to follow in the footsteps of his physician grandparents from the Philippines, his undergraduate experience led him to discover a different path better suited to his evolving interests and strengths.
Public health gave him a chance to make a broad impact. “Physicians treat one person at a time,” he said. “When a public health professional institutes an intervention or control measure, they can positively impact the health of a whole population.”
After earning an MPH from Nova Southeastern University in 2011, Garcia enrolled at the COPH to pursue a PhD in industrial hygiene. He said the Sunshine Education and Resource Center (ERC) and strong national reputation made the COPH an obvious choice. His time at USF helped him build the technical skills and research mindset he uses today as a corporate environmental, health and safety manager for a U.S. Department of Defense contractor.
“The systematic approach I was taught at the COPH is present whether I’m solving a complex calculation to determine the correct velocity for a ventilation system or verbally delivering information about permit-required confined spaces,” he said.
Dr. Jason Garcia suited up to help with heat stress research. This personal protective equipment ensemble was worn by health care workers during the 2015 Ebola outbreak response. (Photo courtesy of Garcia)
Garcia is also a certified industrial hygienist, certified safety professional, radiation safety officer, laser safety officer and holds four graduate certificates from the COPH, among other credentials. But it’s not the alphabet soup after his name that makes him proudest. It’s the students he mentored along the way.
During his time at the COPH, Garcia taught, tutored and advised students in industrial hygiene and related programs. One of them was Cory Treloar, who built on Garcia’s own research and eventually earned a master’s degree. Years later, Garcia hired him—not once, but twice.
“Getting to see Cory using the knowledge and skills he gained while at the COPH has been the greatest experience and certainly a proud moment for me,” he said.
Jason Garcia (left) with Cory Treloar. (Photo courtesy of Garcia)
Garcia credits many at the COPH for shaping his professional journey, including Drs. Tom Bernard, Rene Salazar, Yehia Hammad, John Smyth and Candi Ashley. But it was the late Dr. Steve Mlynarek who made the deepest impact.
“He was like a father figure to me,” Garcia said. “He helped me navigate the PhD minefield and is deeply missed.”
The late Dr. Steve Mlynarek (right) and Dr. Jason Garcia (left) immediately following Garcia’s successful defense of his doctoral dissertation. (Photo courtesy of Garcia)
One of Garcia’s most memorable moments came after defending his dissertation.
“I will never forget the feeling when I was first addressed as Dr. Garcia by my committee,” he said. “I think Dr. Mlynarek had a bigger smile on his face than I did.”
Today, Garcia continues to give back to the college by serving as a board member of the COPH Alumni Society. In this role, he helps support outreach and engagement efforts that strengthen the connection between alumni and current students.
“It’s an honor to stay involved and help the next generation of public health professionals find their path,” he said.
Garcia now lives in Johnson City, Tenn., a deliberate move away from the Florida heat and hurricane seasons. He still carries USF with him—literally. He has a tattoo on the inside of his arm featuring the USF Bull alongside representations of chemical, biological and physical hazards, all of which industrial hygienists are trained to control.
“USF will always be a part of me,” he said. “I love the university and promote it every chance I get.”
A permanent tribute to his passion for public health, Dr. Jason Garcia's tattoo blends Bull pride with the core elements of industrial hygiene. (Photo courtesy of Garcia)
And while he’s no longer in the classroom, teaching remains on the horizon.
“In the future, I would like to teach at the university level,” Garcia said. “I believe that my practical experience would help educate those looking to get into public health, offering new ways of thinking to help solve public health problems.”
Fast Five
What did you dream of becoming when you were young?
I wanted to be a physician like my grandparents were in the Philippines.
Where would we find you on the weekend?
On the weekend, you will find me watching USF football, participating in endurance running events and enjoying craft beer or bourbon.
What is the last book you read?
The Chamber by John Grisham
What superpower would you like to have?
If I could have any superpower, I would like to have the power to heal so that I could help anyone who is suffering.
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
Because I’m an 80’s baby, my favorite movie is The Goonies.