Mercedez Callenes

Dr. Mercedez Callenes is an Assistant Professor of Global Affairs at Trinity Washington University, specializing in policy analysis and development studies with a focus on Latin America. Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Political Economy from the University of Texas at Dallas (2021), an M.S. in Applied Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2013), and a B.S. in Economics from Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (2006).

Her research explores critical socio-economic issues including gender-sensitive policies, peace/conflict dynamics, and poverty reduction strategies. She maintains active affiliations with the International Exchange Alumni - Fulbright Program and the Latin American Studies Association.

Dr. Callenes' publications demonstrate a strong focus on spatial analysis of conflict zones and infrastructure vulnerability in Colombia, with recurring themes of economic development and security policy. Her work employs advanced statistical methods to investigate the intersections of violence, resource management, and policy interventions.

Honors and Awards:

• 2023 LASA Congress panelist
• 2019 Dissertation Research Award
• Fulbright Foreign Student Program (2011-2013)

She teaches courses including GLBL 250 (Human Geography Seminar: Latin America), POLS 101 (Politics, Power & Democracy), and POLS 345 (Environmental Politics), emphasizing real-world applications of theoretical concepts.