Welcome!I am a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh. My primary field of study is Comparative Politics with a focus on the Latin American region. My research agenda revolves around two interconnected themes: Race and Ethnic Politics, and the study of Public Goods, specifically Security Provision and Vigilantism.
In particular, I am interested in exploring how states in Latin America decide where to allocate public goods in ethnically and racially diverse societies, and what implications this has for ethnic and racial minority communities within the state. For example, my dissertation examines the unequal distribution of security, such as police stations, and its impact on indigenous communities in Guatemala, particularly in relation to the emergence of vigilantism. To gain comprehensive insights into these areas of study, I am committed to rigorous data collection through a combination of intense fieldwork and innovative quantitative approaches. I take immense pride in my efforts to collect subnational data through on-the-ground research in rural areas of Central America. Furthermore, I have continually expanded my repertoire of research methods by actively participating in esteemed programs such as the University of Michigan's ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods. As both a fellow and a teaching assistant in this program, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in cutting-edge quantitative methodologies and refining my skills in data analysis. Prior to pursuing a PhD, I completed my Master's Degree in Latin American Studies at Vanderbilt University. While at Vanderbilt, I received a Fellowship for Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) to study the indigenous language K'iche' Maya and to research indigenous politics in the rural highlands of Guatemala. I am excited to connect with fellow scholars, researchers, and potential collaborators. Please feel free to explore my website to learn more about my research projects, publications, and teaching experiences. I welcome any inquiries or opportunities for intellectual engagement. |