"Breaking Down Barriers in Science: Professor's Commitment to Diversity Honored with Prestigious Award"

St. Louis, MO - Benjamin Garcia, a renowned professor at Washington University School of Medicine, has been selected by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) to receive the 2024 ASBMB Ruth Kirschstein Diversity in Science Award.

Garcia's journey to becoming a leading scientist was not without its challenges. The self-described "slightly above average student" from Southern California discovered his passion for chemistry only midway through college, and it wasn't until he earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Virginia in 2005 that he knew he had found his true calling.

However, Garcia's path to becoming a prominent figure in the scientific community was marked by a lack of representation. As a student, he never had a science course taught by a Hispanic professor and didn't see many underrepresented scientists in research.

This experience sparked a realization for Garcia - that of feeling like an imposter in the field of science. However, mentors and organizations played a crucial role in helping him overcome his doubts. Attending a poster session hosted by SACNAS, a Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science, was particularly motivating for him.

"It was incredibly motivating to know that there are scientists out there that looked like me," Garcia said.

Now, as the head of the biochemistry and molecular biophysics department at Washington University School of Medicine, Garcia is dedicated to giving back and helping others. He has established a summer undergraduate research program that attracts underrepresented minority students, and hosted workshops for faculty to better support trainees from diverse backgrounds.

Garcia's efforts have not gone unnoticed. His first Ph.D. student, Mariana Torrente, now a professor, wrote a heartfelt letter nominating Garcia for the Kirschstein award.

"I strive to give my students the same type of approachable, comprehensive mentoring that he exemplifies," she said. "His efforts have made a world of difference to me and the many others that came after me."

The ASBMB's Ruth Kirschstein Diversity in Science Award is a testament to Garcia's commitment to breaking down barriers in science. As he continues to inspire and mentor underrepresented scientists, his legacy as a trailblazer will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of scientific research.

"It's all about helping the next generation move forward," Garcia said. "That's what it's all about."

Garcia recently helped start a mass spectrometry special interest group for Hispanic and Latinx scientists at Washington University, and has arranged for students and faculty to attend SACNAS conferences, given motivational talks at institutions, and recommended policy changes to address systemic racism.

Since 2022, Garcia has also been a mentor for ASBMB's MOSAIC program, supporting postdoctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds in their academic careers.