Academia & Policy

Working at the Intersection of Academia and Policymaking

For several years, I have been engaged in bridging the gap between historical scholarship and contemporary policy discussions. My work focuses on how insights into and a more profound understanding of historical developments—particularly in transatlantic and cross-cultural contexts—can inform current debates on international cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and science policy.

Operating at the intersection of academia and policymaking requires translating complex research into accessible insights that have the potential to support informed decision-making. Whether advising cultural institutions, contributing to foreign policy strategies, or participating in expert panels, I seek to bring a historically grounded perspective to the challenges of our societies. I see history not as a static discipline, but as a dynamic tool for understanding long-term processes, power structures, and patterns of collaboration and conflict.

I am particularly committed to interdisciplinary exchange and the use of history as a means of fostering dialogue—between countries, cultures, and academic and policy communities. By integrating historical insight into the policymaking sphere, we not only enrich public understanding but also promote more nuanced, context-sensitive strategies for international engagement.

Why Historians Belong at the Policy Table: Reflections from the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands

As a Senior Fellow at the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies (USMEX) at the University of California San Diego, I carry out research at the critical interface between historical scholarship and contemporary policy analysis. The Center, situated within the School of Global Policy and Strategy, provides an excellent platform where academic rigor meets real-world policy challenges, particularly those shaping the U.S.-Mexico border region.

My research at USMEX brings long-term historical perspectives to current issues in cross-border cooperation, immigration, trade, foreign policy, and scientific collaboration. By examining 19th-century voyages of scientific exploration, knowledge creation, and territorial expansion, I contribute to a deeper understanding of today’s geopolitical and cultural dynamics in North America.

At the Center, I collaborate with interdisciplinary teams—economists, political scientists, sociologists, and legal scholars—to foster dialogues between academia and policymakers. I participate in academic forums and public events, which help me to translate historical insights into actionable ideas for decision-makers.

This work reflects my broader commitment to using history as a lens to inform diplomatic strategies, cultural understanding, and science diplomacy efforts across borders. The goal is not only to understand the past but to use it as a guide for more effective and inclusive policymaking in the present.