Profiles
International Guests
Rebecca Littman
Ph.D. Assistant Professor. Program Director in Social and Personality Psychology. University of Illinois, Chicago.
Boaz Hameiri
PhD. Is a Senior Lecturer in the Program in Conflict Management and Mediation at Tel Aviv University. He received his PhD in social psychology at Tel Aviv University in 2019. Between 2018 and 2020 he was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Peace and Conflict Neuroscience Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, and Postdoctoral Innovation Lab Fellow at Beyond Conflict. His research consists of an examination of different psychological barriers to attitude change and conflict resolution (e.g., victimhood), and the development of psychological interventions (e.g., paradoxical thinking) to address these barriers and promote better intergroup relations and conflict resolution. Dr. Hameiri employs a mixed-method approach with various qualitative and quantitative methods (e.g., intervention tournaments), in the lab and on a large-scale in the field; working in various contexts and populations worldwide, in collaboration with a broad community of international collaborators, as well as NGOs, advertising and media experts.
Rezarta Bilali
Rezarta Bilali received her PhD in social psychology with a concentration in peace and violence from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Her research focuses on the social psychological underpinnings of intergroup conflict and violence in various conflict settings (e.g., Albania, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Turkey, the U.S.). In one line of research, Dr. Bilali seeks to understand the influence of group identities on intergroup conflict, and the psychological underpinnings of conflict narratives, specifically focusing on group members' denial or acknowledgement of past collective violence, the factors that drive denial narratives, and strategies to address these narratives. In another line of research, she merges theory and practice by working with non-governmental organizations to develop and evaluate violence prevention and reconciliation media programs. The goal of this research is to generate knowledge that successfully informs practice and social policy on prevention of intergroup violence and promotion of positive intergroup relations. In order to achieve this goal, Dr. Bilali contextualizes her research in real world settings, uses multiple methodologies (e.g., experiments, surveys, interviews, content analysis of written materials), considers historical and structural variables, and engages practitioners in her work. Dr. Bilali’s research has been supported by numerous foundations including USAID, Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, American Psychological Foundation, International Peace Research Association, Psychology Beyond Borders, Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. Bilali graduated with a BA in Psychology from Bogazici University, and a Masters’ degree in Conflict Resolution at Sabanci University, both in Istanbul. Prior to joining NYU, she worked as an Assistant Professor of Conflict Resolution at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
Maciej Dachowski
Political Affairs Officer, International Hub on Behavioural Insights to Counter Terrorism at United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in Doha, Qatar, where I lead the Capacity Building Portfolio. He leads the behavioral insights-informed programs are developed and implemented in Central Asia, MENA, and Africa.
Evan Nesterak
About Evan Nesterak
Is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Behavioral Scientist, an award-winning digital and print magazine dedicated to exploring the world through the science of human behavior. In addition to his work at Behavioral Scientist, he has served as an editorial consultant to a number of book authors, including Dan Heath, Leidy Klotz, and Ethan Kross. Previously, he led the Mindset Assessment Project, an initiative designed to bring rigorous psychological research into the world of sport and worked with Angela Duckworth at the University of Pennsylvania on character development research.
Josh Martin
Is an expert consultant on Human-centered innovation for government and multilateral institutions. He was the director of Beyond Conflict and a Vice President at ideas42, responsible for overseeing behavioral science intervention programs in diverse fields, from domestic financial aid reform to international livelihood programs. Josh has held posts as a policy advisor in Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Planning and Development and at Cordoba Initiative, and he has had consulting roles at the World Bank, USAID, the National Democratic Institute, and others. His interests include cash transfer programs, financial inclusion, moral finance, conflict dynamics, corruption, political decision-making, and sports both outdoor and indoor.
Martin Waehlisch
Dr. Martin Waehlisch works in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs at the United Nations Secretariat in New York. He specializes in the design of peace processes, national dialogues, and conflict prevention initiatives, including issues related to human rights. While in Columbia, he will focus on the right to peace and its conceptual framework in the context of the peacebuilding debate. His research will draw from his recent monograph on "Imperfect Peace" (Hart/Bloomsbury 2019) and his work on systems theory aspects in peacebuilding.
Invitados Nacionales
Wilson Lopez
Adriana González Rivera
About Adriana González Rivera
Vice President of Development at the Social Group Foundation and is responsible for overseeing the transformation of the quality of life in the Progress Territories where the organization is present. She holds a degree in anthropology from the University of Los Andes and has specialized in organizational communication, as well as obtaining a master's degree in Public Policy from the Universidad Externado de Colombia. Throughout her professional career, she stands out for her teaching experience in the field of public education policies, as well as the work she has undertaken in both the public and private sectors, exercising leadership in various positions. During her time at the Ministry of National Education, Adriana served as an Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Deputy Director of Quality, and coordinated the rural education project.
Jairo Matallana
About Jairo Matallana
Jairo Matallana-Villarreal leads UNDP Colombia’s Rule of Law and Crisis Response Area. He is responsible for the strategic and programmatic work in the areas of access to justice, citizen security, human rights, transitional justice, and early recovery. Prior to joining Colombia’s Country Office, Jairo worked over 10 years with UNDP, most recently as technical specialist in crisis prevention and recovery at UNDP’s Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, where he supervised regional projects on citizen security for Central America (El Salvador) and small arms and light weapons control (Nicaragua). He advised urban security programmes in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Panama, and supported post-crisis recovery and reconstruction projects in Haiti. Jairo holds PhD degrees in Criminology (Kent, UK) and Law (ELTE, Hungary), an MPhil in Planning, Growth and Regeneration (Cambridge, UK), and an MA in Development Studies (Los Andes, Colombia). His research interests include state crime, spatial analysis, non-violence resistance, and participatory action research approaches. He speaks Spanish, English, French and Portuguese.
Constanza García
About de Constanza García
She is responsible for the digital strategy and management of social media for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, where she has served as a Public Information Officer for over six years. Among her duties are to promote the Mission's mandate and its role in verifying five points of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP, as well as the verification of the ceasefire between the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army-ELN. Constanza was part of the team that developed the virtual reality experience "Pathways Colombia," officially presented in Colombia in November 2022, as part of the "Narrating the Future" Festival. This experience provided an opportunity to firsthand experience the implementation of the Peace Process in the territories, the reintegration process, and the relationship with communities during the current Colombian peace process.
Pablo Abitbol
Universidad Tecnológica de BolÃvar. Regional Group for Historical Memory, the Chair of Peace, and the Cultural Evolution Workshop. Member of the Montes de MarÃa Regional Space for Peacebuilding.
Ana Maria Trujillo
About Ana Maria Trujillo
AnamarÃa Trujillo-Currea. Leads the Knowledge Management team in the Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation area at UNDP Colombia. She is responsible for energizing collaboration, learning, dissemination, and appropriation of knowledge within the Program and among its partners, allies, and participants. Before joining UNDP, she was a researcher-advisor at the Truth Commission. She coordinated the Knowledge Management area of ACDI / VOCA Colombia, where she was in charge of the Reconciliation Barometer. She was the Chair of the International Relations Program at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and has been a guest political analyst in several media outlets. She has more than 15 years of experience on human rights research and teaching, as an expert on the Colombian armed conflict and its international dimensions. She is a political scientist with a master's degree in international affairs.
Camilo Arango
About Camilo Arango
He is a lawyer from Eafit University, specializing in Labor and Social Security Law, and holds a master's degree in Law from Pontifical Bolivarian University. He has served as the Deputy Secretary of Security Planning in Medellin, Territorial Coordinator for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Antioquia, Deputy Director of the Conconcreto Foundation, program assistant at the International Training Center of the ILO in Italy, and consultant for various institutions in the field of security and coexistence. Currently, he holds the position of Peace Building Manager at Comfama and is a lecturer at Eafit University.
Mariantonia Lemos
Doctor in Psychology from the University of los Andes, with a Master's degree in Psychology from the University of San Buenaventura and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the Pontifical Bolivarian University. Currently, she is a full professor at EAFIT University in the psychology programs and the Master's program in behavioral studies. Her areas of greatest interest include behavioral medicine, habits, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mental health.
Juan Esteban Restrepo
Behavioral scientist and leader of the Habits and Behavioral Sciences Laboratory. Holds a Master's degree in Behavioral Studies and is a political scientist from EAFIT University. He has worked for over 12 years in the planning and management of special projects, the development of public-private partnerships, international cooperation, organizational and public welfare projects, sports, healthy habits, applied science, and social innovation
Maristella Madero
Social change leader with extensive experience in social program management in low-income communities, strategic planning, social research, implementation of social change methodologies, alliance management, and public policy advocacy. Holds a degree in Law, a Master's in Urban and Environmental Processes, and a Master's in Political Studies. For the past 10 years, she has been leading the comprehensive effort to transform the quality of life in partnership with the Grupo Social Foundation in Cartagena.
María Alejandra Palacio
Political scientist from the National University of Colombia, Medellin Campus. Holds a Master's degree in Government and Public Policies from EAFIT University. In the field of security, he has worked in the public sector at the Secretariat of Security and Coexistence of the Mayor's Office of Medellin as the Deputy Chief of Security Operations and Deputy Chief of Security Planning. He also served as the Chief Planner at the Secretariat of Security, Coexistence, and Justice of Bogotá. In the academic sector, he has worked as an adjunct professor and in consulting and research roles in the field of security and criminal policy for the Ideas for Peace Foundation (Fundación Ideas para la Paz - FIP), the National University, the School of Humanities at EAFIT University in its Political Analysis Center, and as the Project Management Chief for the Security and Justice line of the Public Value Center at EAFIT University. In the private sector, he worked as a Security and Peace Advisor for the Public-Private Articulation Vice Presidency of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce and as a researcher for the Innovation for Poverty Action (IPA) program. He currently serves as the Director of the Conflict and Organized Violence Area at the Ideas for Peace Foundation.
Juan Casas
Film Director with an expertise in the creation of communicational content with narratives aimed at social change. With more than 16 years of experience in film production and as creative head of PIRATAFILMS, he has a strong track record of developing both commercial and documentary projects recognized in international film Festivals, specializing in the production of social content and communication for change as the axis of PIRATA APS (Audiovisual Perception Shift), a film production method created by PirataFilms based on principles of Neuroscience and Behavioral Science and oriented toward generating variations in the mindset of the viewers through audiovisual content. With productions in South and Central America, the United States and Europe, it has created pieces for national and international, public and private clients, such as the United Nations UN, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Jigsaw Productions, Amblin Entertainment, Presidency of the Republic, Discovery Channel, Mass Appeal, University of Pennsylvania, History Channel, Glue NYC, Ambassade du Canada, Municipality of Rome, International Cooperation and Presidency of the Republic of Colombia, among others. With the launch of the documentary short film "El Rey del Disonante" at the Cuna de Acordeones 2024 Festival, which will participate in the Documentary Short Film category at the OSCAR 2025 Academy Awards, and the feature-length documentary "La Candela Viva", which tells the story of Colombian cumbia and Totó La Momposina, PirataFilms is playing a vital role in promoting and preserving Colombian culture and heritage while also showcasing the talent and creativity of Colombian forgotten artists. These films are the celebration of the country's cultural heritage, helping ensure that this cultural roots are shared with a wider audience, both in Colombia and internationally, with the potential to not only educate but also inspire and create a deeper appreciation for the rich traditions and stories of Colombia. JuanMa Casas's work reflects a commitment to using the power of film and storytelling to address social issues and drive positive change in society. His ability to combine creative storytelling with scientific principles sets him apart as a filmmaker dedicated to making a meaningful impact through his work.
María Paulina Domínguez
About María Paulina Dominguez
Researcher at the Center for Studies and Advocacy for Public Value at EAFIT University. She holds a law degree and a master's degree in public policies and development. She has experience in both the public sector and academia, with a focus on justice, social inclusion, and security.
Juliana Reyes
About Juliana Reyes
A final semester psychology student at Pontifical Javeriana University in Bogotá. Over the past two years, she has coordinated the Evolution, Behavior, and Culture research group, led by Professor Wilson López López, and served as the president of the first Psi Chi chapter in Colombia, an international honor society in psychology. She recently won the PSI CHI Undergraduate Scholarship for academic excellence. Her research interests have focused on topics related to peace, forgiveness, reconciliation, and victimology. Currently, she is a young researcher supported by Minciencias with the project "Participatory design of a psychosocial mental health care model with the Montes de MarÃa community in the context of the COVID-19 health emergency."
Alana Coronado
About Alana Coronado
A final semester psychology student at Pontifical Javeriana University in Bogotá. Over the past year, she has worked as an intern, primarily in the field of clinical psychology. She provided psychological support to students of various grade levels in primary and high school at a district educational institution in Bogotá. Additionally, she offered psychological support to cancer patients throughout their treatment process at the San Ignacio clinic of her university. Currently, she is working with the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF), providing psychosocial and legal support to families, children, and adolescents in one of the districts in Bogotá.
Ana Sofía Osorio
About Ana Sofía Osorio
A final semester psychology student at Pontifical Javeriana University in Bogotá. Over the past two years, she has been a participant in the ECOCU research group, "Evolution, Behavior, and Culture," through which she became a Psi Chi member in September 2021. Her research interests have been focused on social studies from feminist and reconciliation perspectives.
Oswaldo Zapata
He spends his days learning to identify as an activist, scientist, and artist. He holds degrees in Psychology and Political Science, and through his work, he seeks to develop innovative initiatives for social change, drawing on Neuroscience, data analytics, political studies, and behavioral sciences. Currently, he works at the Habits and Behavioral Sciences Laboratory of Comfama, advises the Government of Antioquia through the Departmental Peace Council in the design and implementation of public policies, and provides leadership and advocacy for the National Network of Youth for Mental Health, a social platform recognized for its impact on the public agenda.
Martín Vanegas
About Martín Vanegas
Associate researcher at Public Value, a center for studies and advocacy at EAFIT University, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics. With experience in police reform processes, citizen security, crime, organized violence, and the development of public policies to mitigate these phenomena. Has collaborated with the Ministry of Defense of Colombia, PADF in Colombia and Ecuador, IDB, IOM, the Laboratory of Policy and Criminal Justice, the Action Interna Foundation, and the National Police of Colombia, among governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Camilo Sánchez
Acerca de Camilo Sánchez
Political Scientist (Uniandes), Master of Public Policy (Hertie School of Governance - Germany). Has worked as a researcher at the Center for Conflict Analysis Resources (CERAC), a lecturer at Javeriana University, and an analyst in the United Nations Department of Security. Participated in the implementation of the Peace Agreement from the health sector as a liaison between the Ministry of Health and the Peace Commissioner's Office and the Ministry of Health and the Office of the High Commissioner for Stabilization. Currently, serves as the Head of Reintegration and Peacebuilding Projects at UNDP, leading initiatives related to monitoring perceptions of the peace agreement's implementation in conflict-affected areas, inclusion of persons with disabilities in peace processes, and the development of individual productive projects for signatories of the peace agreement.
Scientific Coordination
Andres Casas
Is a behavioral and decision scientist from the University of Pennsylvania (MBDS), a political scientist, holds a master's degree in Philosophy, and is a doctoral researcher in the Cognition and Context Neuroscience Laboratory of the Javeriana University. His research uses translational research and citizen science to identify and transform mind freeze. In his work, he applies behavioral and communications sciences to design interventions to transform socio-psychological and cultural barriers to prosocial change, improving the use of people analytics and user experience design. His consulting activity has been developed in Latin America, the United States, Africa, and the Middle East. He focuses on applications of brain and behavioral sciences to public policy, organizational dynamics, social norms programming, social and behavioral change communications, and peace sciences. Since 2010, he has served as PI of the World Values Survey in Colombia and currently leads the Neuropaz.com Project that combines Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Economics, Public Policy, and Practice. He is a senior lecturer of executive education programs at the University of Los Andes in Colombia and Tec de Monterrey in México.