Tatiana Zarate-Barrera

Tatiana Zarate-Barrera's research delves into the intricate intersections of environmental economics, focusing on pollution, violence, and female empowerment. As an Assistant Professor of Economics at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, she employs a blend of economics and computational methods to address pressing environmental issues, particularly in low to middle-income countries. Her work is pivotal in understanding how pollution impacts human well-being and in assessing the economic benefits of conserving natural ecosystems. Before embarking on her academic career, Zarate-Barrera gained valuable experience as a consultant for esteemed international organizations such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. In these roles, she collaborated on policy evaluations across Latin America and the Caribbean, contributing to the development of strategies aimed at enhancing environmental and economic outcomes in these regions. Zarate-Barrera's academic journey is marked by a robust foundation in environmental economics, having earned her Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia. Her educational background is further enriched by degrees in economics and industrial engineering from Universidad de los Andes, equipping her with a diverse skill set that informs her research and teaching. Her research interests are deeply rooted in environmental economics, ecosystem valuation, and the broader implications of environmental issues on gender and female empowerment. Zarate-Barrera is particularly interested in exploring how natural ecosystems can be valued economically and how these valuations can inform policy decisions that promote sustainable development and human well-being. At Texas A&M University, she is committed to advancing the understanding of environmental challenges and their socio-economic impacts, fostering a new generation of scholars and practitioners who are equipped to tackle these global issues. Her work not only contributes to academic discourse but also has practical implications for policy-making and sustainable development initiatives worldwide.