Shina Cortez Garcia

Shina is a graduate of the University of California, Merced, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Systems Science. Shina has developed a strong foundation in environmental research, regulatory analysis, and data-driven planning, with a specific interest in water resources, climate resilience, and equitable community development. As an Environmental Planning Intern with CDM Smith, Shina has supported environmental compliance efforts by compiling and reviewing technical references to ensure regulatory accuracy and relevance. Part of her work included collecting, cleaning, and analyzing groundwater quality data from California’s Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) database across multiple basins. Shina evaluated contaminant concentrations against Maximum Contaminant Levels and created Excel-based summary tables identifying exceedances and compliance risks, directly supporting regulatory analysis for a large Water Transfer Project. Following graduation, Shina will continue full-time with CDM Smith as an Environmental Planner II in the Water Resources Group. She aspires to build a career focused on sustainable water management, climate adaptation, and community-centered planning solutions that improve environmental outcomes and quality of life for underserved populations.