Research
Overview
My research focuses on the intersection of human rights and climate and conservation policy in Central America. With over fifteen years of academic and professional experience, I integrate theory and practice to examine the social impacts of environmental policy on local communities, particularly Indigenous and marginalized groups, and advocate for more equitable and inclusive policy design. You can find out more about my previous projects below.
Previous Projects
Examining Indigenous Consultation in Costa Rica
My doctoral research examined how Indigenous consultation under Costa Rica’s REDD+ policy is conceptualized and evaluated by different stakeholder groups. Supported by the National Science Foundation and the University of Maryland, the project developed a replicable framework to assess FPIC processes using a mixed-methods approach, with final results to be released in 2026.
COVID, Conservation & (Eco)tourism
I co-directed Conservation Beyond Crisis, a qualitative research project examining the socio-environmental impacts of COVID-19 on conservation and tourism-dependent communities in Monteverde and the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. Conducted in collaboration with Dr. Jan Breitling and international M.A. students at the University for Peace, the project identified key factors influencing community resilience and resulted in a peer-reviewed book chapter.
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Indigenous Participation and Knowledge Sharing in the UN Climate Negotiations
Based on field research at COP24, this project examined the evolving roles of Indigenous peoples within global climate negotiations, focusing on their perspectives, demands for inclusion, and responses to emerging mechanisms like the LCIP Platform under the UNFCCC. The project highlighted how Indigenous actors are shaping—and being shaped by—global climate governance processes.
​Tracking Forest-based Climate Finance
As a Senior Associate at Forest Trends, I led climate finance tracking efforts under the REDDX Initiative, training civil society partners across Latin America and the Asia-Pacific to monitor international REDD+ funding flows. In collaboration with several national Ministries of Environment, I designed and carried out gaps-and-needs analyses to support strategic donor coordination and effective finance allocation.
Examining the Political-Cultural Impacts of Hydro Development in Indigenous Territories
This project investigated the socio-cultural and political impacts of “green” dam development, using the Bonyic Hydroelectric Complex in Panamá as a case study. Conducted as part of a graduate fellowship with the IUCN and supported by research funding from American University, the research revealed how hydropower development disrupted local governance, livelihoods, and Indigenous land rights, culminating in a published article and master’s thesis.