Chandler Garcia is pursuing a doctoral degree in ecology and evolutionary biology at The University of Texas at El Paso, where his research focuses on waterfowl population genetics, hybridization, and conservation policy. On campus, Garcia conducted population genetics research in the Lavretsky Waterfowl Population Genetics Lab, examining how hybridization and lineage uncertainty affect species conservation under federal law. Inspired by earlier roles with Audubon Florida and the Florida Shorebird Alliance, where he learned the importance of applying research to solving real-world issues, he continues to collaborate with state wildlife agencies and nonprofit partners, including Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Through the Graduate Archer Fellowship, Garcia seeks to conduct ancient DNA research on the extinct Mariana mallard and Labrador duck. He aspires to a career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where he can serve as a leader in conservation strategies for national waterfowl and wetlands.