Sergio Guillen Grillo

Sergio Guillen Grillo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering & Society at the University of Virginia. He holds a Ph.D. from the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University (ANU), an M.A. in Environmental Security and Peace from the University for Peace, and a B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from Carleton University. His research focuses on engineering ethics education, peacebuilding through technology, and public deliberation in environmental governance. He has over 20 years of experience in sustainable energy policy, conflict resolution, and training professionals across Latin America.

• Affiliations: Co-Director of the Online Ethics Center; teaches Engineering Ethics (STS 2600) and directs the UVA in Costa Rica J-Term program on renewable energy governance.
• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy (ANU)
  • M.A. in Environmental Security and Peace (University for Peace)
  • B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering (Carleton University)
• Research Themes: Engineering and Peacebuilding, Ethics Education, Technology Governance, and Public Interest Conflict Management.

His work integrates conflict resolution frameworks with engineering practices, emphasizing character development in education and equitable energy transitions. He has authored/co-authored manuals for renewable energy project development across Central America and contributed to transboundary water management initiatives. Recent publications explore moral muscle memory in ethics education and engineers' roles in peacebuilding.

Awards: Australian Leadership Award Scholar (2013–2017). His training programs have impacted over 1,500 university-level teaching hours and professionals across fifteen countries.

Professional Activities: Internationally certified mediator and accredited conciliator with Costa Rica’s CFIA-CRC. Collaborates with U.S. agencies, multilateral banks, and NGOs on clean energy policy and rural electrification.