As a dedicated scholar in the field of political science, my extensive fieldwork and on-the-ground data collection in Latin America have been transformative experiences with profound academic and personal implications. These rigorous research endeavors have allowed me to gather original data for quantitative analysis, highlighting the pivotal role of data collection in advancing our understanding of political phenomena and expanding existing theories.
Over the past several years, my commitment to data collection has focused on investigating public goods distribution across Guatemala. Working closely with local indigenous communities, state-level bureaucrats, police officers, politicians, and ordinary citizens, I have delved into the intricate dynamics of how the Guatemalan state determines the allocation of public goods. By engaging directly with key stakeholders, I have gained invaluable insights into the complexities of political processes, shedding light on important factors that shape public goods distribution. One of my significant contributions involves building a comprehensive dataset that enables researchers to analyze the establishment of security infrastructure and other public goods in post-civil war Guatemala. This dataset plays a crucial role in examining state-building efforts following periods of conflict, providing a nuanced understanding of subnational variations in public goods distribution across different community types, including those with majority and minority populations. Additionally, the dataset allows for the examination of how electoral dynamics, both at the local and national levels, influence distributional outcomes. The creation of this dataset involved extensive on-the-ground interviews, government petitions, and dedicated fieldwork, making it a pioneering effort in its comprehensive scope and depth of data.
Fieldwork has been an essential part of my doctoral training and has facilitated meaningful connections and collaborations with local scholars, experts, and practitioners. These relationships have not only enriched my academic network but have also provided opportunities for future collaborations, research projects, and a deeper engagement with the Latin American political landscape.