Erika (she/her) is an interdisciplinary socio-environmental researcher working to create more sustainable and inclusive food systems. She has extensive experience in using quantitative and qualitative research methods to study sustainable agricultural systems, sustainability standards, food security, intersection with gender issues, and the role of multilateral agencies in rural development programs, among others.
Erika is driven by a passion for understanding local environmental problems from a global perspective, how systems are interrelated, and social and economic implications. She has coupled her scientific career with international development as a policy analyst for the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and research assistant positions at universities including UC Berkeley, the Université de Montréal, the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). In addition, she worked for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Mexico, on developing a farmers' market. She holds a master of science degree in resources, environment, and sustainability from UBC and a bachelor of science in earth and environmental sciences from UNAM.
Erika identifies as a Latin American woman, feminist, and immigrant living in the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. She spends most of her spare time playing Ultimate Frisbee, being creative in the kitchen, and going for long sunset runs. She has a cat named Matilda and a bike named Red Panda.