Islander Spotlight: Ian Garcia’s Journey in the Industrial Engineering Program at TAMU-CC

Ian Garcia ’25, a senior majoring in industrial engineering at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), is preparing to graduate in May 2025. Raised in Corpus Christi, he decided to pursue industrial engineering after beginning his college journey as a mechanical engineering major. Garcia’s path to his chosen field reflects both practical considerations and a passion for problem-solving.

“I started as a mechanical engineering major but switched to industrial engineering when I realized it aligned more with my interests in practical knowledge, big data, quality control, and human factors like anthropometric measurements," Garcia said. "I liked the idea of improving on existing systems and patents, where there’s always room for optimization. Plus, industrial engineering has great job growth prospects, which is important as I near graduation.”

Industrial engineering stood out to Garcia due to its focus on human-centered design, a theme that resonates with the research he’s now conducting. Since the start of the year, Garcia has been working with Dr. Hongwei Hsiao, a Professor & Rogelio Roger Benavides Memorial Chair with the Department of Engineering, in TAMU-CC’s state-of-the-art 3dMD lab, learning how to use advanced 3D scanning technology. The lab specializes in developing precise human models for applications like improving safety equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatuses for firefighters.

Garcia’s interest in industrial engineering was further sparked by the practical challenges the field addresses, such as developing safety equipment tailored to human dimensions. "Learning to operate the 3D head scanner in Hsiao’s lab has been an incredible experience. This technology is essential for improving things like masks, safety gear, and even products like sunglasses, where understanding precise human measurements is key,” said Garcia.

Reflecting on his time at TAMU-CC, Garcia credits the industrial engineering faculty for providing exceptional support. “The professors here genuinely care about their students’ success, not just academically, but also in considering life outside of school. I’ve had a great experience, and I think the growth of the program speaks for itself.”

As Garcia prepares for his final year at TAMU-CC, his future looks bright. While he’s open to various possibilities after graduation, he is particularly interested in research and project management roles, where he can continue applying the practical knowledge and skills he's developed throughout his time in the industrial engineering program.