In this edition of “People of PRI,” we introduce Carolina Diaz Garcia, a postdoctoral research associate at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC), working under the mentorship of Dr. Wei Zheng. Carolina brings a wealth of experience and passion to her work in environmental research, focusing on innovative methods to improve water quality and tackle pollution challenges. Her journey from Spain to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reflects a deep commitment to sustainability. Read on to learn more about Carolina's career path, her dedication to clean water, and the advice she has for those entering the field.
Q: Tell us about yourself and your role at PRI.
A: After completing my PhD at the Technical University of Cartagena in my hometown, I moved to Urbana-Champaign to further my research on denitrifying woodchip bioreactors under the guidance of Laura Christianson, a leading expert in the field. I spent three years working on a tri-state project in Crop Sciences at U. of I. before transitioning to ISTC, where I continued my work in environmental research.
At Prairie Research Institute, my role focuses on enhancing water quality by removing nutrients from drainage water using a system of denitrifying woodchip bioreactors combined with biochar chambers. Additionally, I'm actively involved in detecting and removing PFAS from water, contributing to safer and cleaner water resources.
Q: What drew you to your area of work or study?
A: My passion for water started early—I became a swimmer as a child, and I've always been fascinated by its power and beauty. Working with water feels completely natural to me, as it has been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Q: What questions do you get asked most frequently about your career?
A: People often ask if something as seemingly simple as woodchips and biochar can really make a difference in water quality. They're usually surprised to learn how effectively these natural materials can improve water systems.
Q: What advice would you give to those just starting out in your field?
A: My advice is to stay open to learning from everyone, even those outside your field. Sometimes, the solutions to complex problems are simpler than we expect, but we miss them because we're looking through a narrow lens. Gaining perspectives from other disciplines can offer valuable insights and help you see things in a new light.
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: In my free time, I love swimming and hiking—anything that helps me connect with nature. I also cherish quality time with family and friends; a good ‘sobremesa’ can truly make my day. Additionally, I’m passionate about traveling to explore new places and immerse myself in different cultures.
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Carolina can be reached at cdiazg(at)illinois.edu.
The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center is a division of the Prairie Research Institute.