Completed my doctoral studies as a Research Associate of ALC-UVM (https://www.uvm.edu/agroecology/) on urban agroecology, using the Intervale Center in Burlington, VT, as a case study. The research consisted of a principles-focused assessment, inspired by Patton, 2018 (*1), using agroecological principles, multiple surveying methods with visual tools, and a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. June - November 2020: Provided research support as a member of a multidisciplinary team of researchers on the principles of agroecology using my doctoral research project as a case study. The team published a white paper on the importance of agroecology for the future of sustainable food systems in Vermont, and as a framework to assess and advance transformations towards sustainability. Link to the white paper: https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/arsfoodsystems/4/*1 Patton, M. Q. (2018). Principles-Focused Evaluation. The Guide. New York: The Guilford Press

Conducted qualitative research as a team player in a multidisciplinary team of researchers. Implemented cross-cultural research with mixed methods and a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. Engaged farmers from diverse geographic settings in Puerto Rico and Vermont. The project was organized into four phases implemented over a six-month period. It included identifying farmer participants, selecting key farm resilience frameworks, distilling a preliminary list of indicators, and validating those indicators with farmer feedback through surveys, interviews, and group meetings. The phases culminated in the creation of a Farm Resilience Tool for conducting rapid assessments using 20 indicators organized into four categories of Growth Mindset, Strong Relationships, Sustainable Farming Practices, and Sustainable Business Management. The team further outlined a proposal for how to implement and refine the tool with farmer participants through subsequent PAR activities. Link to the white paper: https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/arsfoodsystems/1/

Researched the topic of climate resilience planning for the UVM's Office of Sustainability. Consulted on climate resilience using Second Nature's Resilience Commitment guideline and the City Resilience Framework of the Rockefeller Foundation. Evaluated and provided recommendations for UVM's 2020 STARS (*1) report, AASHE's (*2) self-reporting framework for universities to measure their sustainability performance.*1 Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System*2 Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education

Instituted and initiated CEDES to develop and implement research and outreach educational projects on sustainability and smart growth for local communities through grants and fundraising.Secured sponsorships and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USDA-FS), USDA-Southern Agriculture Research and Education Program-National Institute of Food and Education (SARE-NIFA), and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for more than 15 different sustainability projects.Directed and co-authored (lead) two educational books on sustainable urbanism (see Publications).Developed 6 certificates for community educational engagement and professional advancement on green design and construction, the recycling industry, urban agroecology, ecotourism, astronomy for amateurs, and urban forestry.Organized 5 national conferences sponsored by government agencies and professional associations to disseminate the results of CEDES projects and to promote public policies for sustainable development.Organized and conducted 5 educational trips to Portland, Oregon, USA (2010), Copenhagen, Denmark (2005), and Curitiba, Brazil (2002, 2003, 2011), to showcase internationally renowned sustainable urban planning. Approximately 100 professionals from the public, private, and community sectors participated (including municipal mayors).Advisory Council member of Puerto Rico Planning Board for revision and approval of the Puerto Rico Land Use Plan (2013- 2015).Policy advocacy through CEDES projects. Helped to spearhead the enactment of Act 212 for the Revitalization of Urban Centers (August 29, 2002), Act 206 to Designate the San Juan Ecological Corridor (August 28, 2003), Act 550 for the Land Use Plan of Puerto Rico (October 3, 2004).Guest speaker at numerous conferences and events in universities, professional associations, and government agencies.Author of educational articles for professional and academic magazines/journals and newspapers in Puerto Rico.

Implemented and coordinated community environmental projects with grants and the support of graduate students, professors, and the communities involved:- Protection, Restoration and Management Plan for Las Cucharillas Marsh in the Municipality of Cataño, with a fine settlement between the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), communities in the Municipality of Cataño, and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) due to PREPA violations of the Clean Air Act.- Brownfield job training program for the Peninsula de Cantera community in San Juan with a USEPA grant.- Technical outreach counseling services to disadvantaged communities with environmental justice issues. In collaboration with and with grants from the Northeastern Hazardous Research Center, New Jersey Institute of Technology.