I'm a PhD candidate at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver (USA). My work is focused on how local governance mechanisms interact with the state to influence human development outcomes in Guatemala's Western highlands. My Ms is in Resource and Applied Economics (University of Alaska Fairbanks), where I worked more on how Arctic communities confronted oil and gas development. I am currently creating a multi-track research project that explores local governance, sustainable development, conflict and regional cooperation in the world's mountain regions. I am looking forward to connecting with other mountain development enthusiasts, and eventually contributing to our collective work.