Where are you from?
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, but grew up in Texas around the Houston and Austin areas.
Where did you do your studies/What did you study?
I completed a Bachelor's in Environmental International Studies at Texas A&M, a MSc. in Sustainable Development in Uppsala University, Sweden, and am finishing up a Masters in Agroecology, Food Sovereignty, Urban Ecology and Rural Development Cooperation at La Laguna University in Tenerife, Spain.
Why did you choose Erasmus School of Philosophy to do your PhD/What is your research about?
My research project is over Agribusiness and Sustainable Alternatives; I'm passionate about just food system transformation so I'm incredibly excited and fortunate to have been selected for this position. My project lies within the Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity Initiative, so it wouldn't be a stretch to say that the School of Philosophy chose me ?.
What are your expectations of the PhD?
While my loftier expectations are more personal and include producing research capable of influencing some sort of sustainable transformation for food systems, my only real expectations for the PhD is to facilitate a great environment, where I'm surrounded by interesting and curious peers, that enables me to find inspiration and support to explore, learn, and carry out this work.
What are your first impressions of the Erasmus University and the city Rotterdam?
I had never visited Rotterdam prior to moving so I didn't know what to expect. While I've only been in Rotterdam a couple of weeks, I already love it.
My feelings about the university aren't any different; everyone has been nothing but kind and helpful and I couldn't ask for more than that. I'm thrilled to be an Erasmian!