I am a Ph.D. student in Political Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara, specializing in comparative politics, environmental politics, and quantitative methods. I am also a 2035 Initiative Ph.D. Fellow, where I contribute to advancing equitable and effective climate solutions through applied research and policy analysis. I hold both a Master of Science in Economics (graduated with honors) and a Bachelor of Science in Economics (top 5% of my cohort) from Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia. My research investigates how income shocks, illicit markets, and fiscal innovations shape patterns of violence, governance, and sustainability in post-conflict societies. Before starting my Ph.D., I gained extensive research and professional experience. I worked as a Research Assistant at New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE University, and Universidad del Rosario on projects related to political economy, public goods provision, and conflict. I also served as a Nuclear R&D Specialist at Nawah Energy Company in the United Arab Emirates, where I contributed to process automation and led professional development initiatives for Women in Nuclear. Earlier, I worked with Colombia’s National Planning Department and the Colombian Association of Engineers on public policy evaluation and labor market challenges. My publications and working papers span topics from the COVID-19 economic policy response to the challenges of financing renewable energy transitions in conflict-affected contexts. I have received multiple competitive research awards and fellowships, and I am committed to producing research that bridges academic inquiry with policy impact in sustainable development, peace building, and energy transitions.