We hope you enjoy this series where we meet and get to know employees from across campus. Would you like to be featured? Contact us at campusnews@csufresno.edu.

Name: Tanisha Garcia
Title: Assistant professor and undergraduate internship coordinator
Department: Public Health
Academic Degrees: Ph.D in public health services and masters in health administration. I have my bachelors in health sciences because I thought I wanted to be a nurse. I had a last-minute change of heart and decided I liked the policy side of healthcare and didn't want to serve in providing care to patients.

How long have you worked at Fresno State: I started my career here in August 2017.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important? This is a tough one for me to identify just one thing. I believe our accomplishments are achieved through our journeys in life. One of the most rewarding accomplishments for me was being the first-generation individual to obtain a Ph.D. This in turn, allowed me to have a voice in my field.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why? I truly enjoy contributing to the success of our students. I decided to leave corporate healthcare and mentor our students to become leaders in public health. They are the eyes, ears and voice of our future. I wanted to be a part of their success and truly dive into what I'm passionate about "teaching."

What is a memorable moment you had at your job? I don't like to be put in the spotlight. It's not my cup of tea...or should I say coffee. I prefer to drink that! I would have to say the most memorable moment would be celebrating my first commencement here at Fresno State. A student who was walking through and shaking faculty hands stated, "I wish I could have been in one of your classes." It was my very first semester and to have already been recognized by students was very fulfilling. It tells me I must be doing something right.

What is a memorable moment you had in class, and what does that reveal about your teaching style? That moment you get when you look at your students' faces and they are engaged and showing the desire to learn. It's the a-ha moment! I try to use different ways of teaching to keep the fire burning in class. Changing it up allows the students to interact and feel like they are taking away something new from each lecture.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time? I love to travel in our RV. Visiting places I've never seen here in the United States is empowering. There is so much to see and indulge yourself in. My favorite place to visit is Yosemite National Park. I love to fish there and just let the scenery take me away!

Tanisha Garcia in Yosemite on a hike.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know? I'm a survivor of a traumatic accident from cycling. I was hit by a car going 55 mph while riding my bicycle. I have traumatic brain injury and I work really hard so no one can see my disability. WEAR A HELMET. It really can save your life.

With her husband Matthew Garcia, on bikes in front of the fountain.

Is there something else you would like to share that was not asked? My favorite quote is "The only serious method of education is to be an example." (Einstein)