I study environmental governance, particularly the governance of ecosystems. My research agenda includes an interest in common pool resources (CPRs), socio-ecological systems, decentralization reforms, local democracy and participation, and the solving of collective action dilemmas.

In 2008, I received my Ph.D. in Public Policy from Indiana University where I worked under the supervision of Elinor Ostrom. For my dissertation I studied local governance regimes concerning the environment and rural development in Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Chile.

Between 1996 and 2002, I have worked on environmental policy issues as an international civil servant and consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Senegal and Chile, respectively.