Maria Alejandra Pastrana Sanchez

Maria Alejandra Pastrana Sanchez is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Law at the University of Cádiz, affiliated with the Department of Public International, Criminal and Procedural Law. She is also a researcher at the Andalusian Interuniversity Institute of Criminology (IAIC) and coordinates the research group SEJ378 on Criminal System, Crime and Security. She was accredited as a full professor by ANECA in June 2024 and has served as Coordinator of the official master's degree in Criminal Violence since December 2024.

Education:

• PhD in Law from the University of Cádiz (2020), thesis titled Terrorism and criminal law: the new configuration of crime in the Spanish legal system, supervised by Dr. Esther Hava García and Dr. Juan María Terradillos Basoco.

Research Interests:
Her research spans a broad range of topics within criminal law, with a strong focus on terrorism, drug law, and criminal policy. She explores the evolution of terrorism-related offenses in Spain, the legal implications of drug regulation and criminalization, and the intersection between law and emerging social challenges like university bullying. Her work also delves into public order offenses, money laundering, and the use of innovative educational tools in legal pedagogy.

Research Trends:
Her publications from 2020 to 2025 reveal a consistent engagement with contemporary issues in criminal law. A significant portion of her work addresses terrorism and its legal reconfiguration in Spain, including comparative perspectives and case studies. Another major theme is drug law, where she critically examines both national and international regulatory models. Additionally, she has contributed to legal education by integrating modern tools like podcasts and interactive materials into criminal law teaching.

Scientific Contributions and Awards:
While no specific awards are listed, her academic trajectory is marked by rapid advancement, including ANECA accreditation as a full professor and leadership roles in postgraduate education.

Teaching and Advising:
She currently coordinates the official master's degree in Criminal Violence at the University of Cádiz, indicating a leadership role in graduate education. No specific student advisees are listed in the provided text.

Research Group and Labs:
She is the coordinator of the SEJ378 research group titled Criminal System, Crime and Security, which is part of the Andalusian Interuniversity Institute of Criminology (IAIC).