His group is focused on the study of interactions of proteins with nanostructured surfaces and their use in analytical chemistry. Additionally, he is developing microfluidic devices to monitor biologically active compounds. Dr. Garcia is engaged in various professional activities which provide opportunities to recruit graduate students and to inform the public about the chemistry program at The University of Texas at San Antonio. These include the presentation of seminars at colleges and universities in Texas, and the presentation of posters at national and international meetings. At present, Dr. Garcia directs the thesis research of three chemistry graduate students (Ph.D. program). Dr. Garcia also has a substantial research program with undergraduates students, which complements and supports the research of graduate students. The outcomes of the research activities have been presented and recognized at national and international scientific meetings and are regularly published in peer-refereed journals, all of which have students as coauthors. His research has received support from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, National Agency for Space and Aeronautics, and the Office of Naval Research.