Our part-time researchers include experts who have served in the Brazilian, Argentinian, Peruvian, and U.S. governments, as well as esteemed universities and prominent international think tanks, contributing invaluable regional and interdisciplinary insights.
Emily Hartman
Senior Fellow & Director of Historical Analysis
Dr. Emily Hartman brings deep expertise to her role as Senior Fellow and Director of Historical Analysis. A former Senior Analyst at the U.S. Department of State, she played a key role in shaping Latin America policy and later served as a visiting scholar at the Wilson Center. She holds a Ph.D. in History from Harvard University, specializing in U.S.-Latin America relations. Her research explores Cold War geopolitical dynamics, economic assistance programs, and the long-term evolution of U.S. influence in the region. Currently, she is examining the economic and ideological legacies of the Alliance for Progress.
Carlos Menendez
Chief Policy Analyst
With extensive experience as Deputy Director at a prominent policy advisory organization in Mexico City, Carlos has advised numerous multinational clients on trade policy and economic development strategies. He earned his Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, focusing on international trade and governance. Carlos’s work centers on regional trade agreements, supply chain restructuring, and the complex trilateral economic interactions between the United States, Latin America, and China.
Maria Elena Alvarez
Senior Researcher
Dr. Maria Elena Alvarez is a Senior Researcher specializing in social policy and governance. She previously served as a senior consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank and as a high-level advisor to the Argentine government on social governance reforms. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Buenos Aires. Her research focuses on innovative social policies, urban development strategies, and the complex relationship between economic reforms and social challenges across the Americas.
Thomas Greene
Senior Researcher & Head of Security Analysis
Dr. Thomas Greene is the Senior Researcher and Head of Security Analysis. Before joining the institute, he was a Senior Associate at the Brookings Institution and served as an advisor on security cooperation programs for the U.S. Department of Defense. He earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford University, with a specialization in security studies and international relations. His expertise covers security cooperation strategies, transnational crime, and the effects of bilateral and multilateral security agreements on regional stability in Latin America.
Julia Pereira
Senior Policy Advisor
Dr. Julia Pereira is a Senior Policy Advisor on environmental and climate issues. She previously held a senior position in the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she led efforts on multilateral climate change initiatives, and served as a senior regional advisor for the Organization of American States. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Policy from Yale University. Her work focuses on climate change diplomacy, energy innovation, and the environmental dimensions of sustainable economic development across Latin America.
Alejandro Castillo
Senior Researcher
Dr. Alejandro Castillo is a Senior Researcher specializing in economic development and regional governance. He previously served as a senior policy analyst at a leading Peruvian think tank dedicated to governance and development strategies, and provided high-level support to Peru’s Ministry of Economy and Finance on sustainable growth initiatives. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. His research explores economic connectivity, infrastructure advancement, and the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises in strengthening Latin American economies.
