Andrea Ballestero

Well-versed in the complexities of water ethics and management, Andrea Ballestero is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Ethnography Studio in the Department of Anthropology at Rice University. Her scholarly pursuits delve into the intricate ethical and technical entanglements that shape expert understandings of water, particularly in Latin America. Andrea's research is situated at the intersection of law, economics, and techno-science, where she investigates how these domains converge to influence water governance. Andrea has conducted extensive fieldwork in various Latin American countries, focusing on diverse aspects of water management. Her studies in Costa Rica have explored the nuances of water pricing, examining how economic frameworks impact access and distribution. In Brazil, she has investigated the bureaucratic processes involved in water care, shedding light on the institutional practices that govern water resources. Additionally, her research extends to the dissemination of water knowledge across Latin America, analyzing how information and practices travel and transform within different socio-political contexts. Her work is characterized by a commitment to understanding the socio-economic aspects of water, emphasizing the ethical considerations that underpin water law and policy. Andrea's research contributes to a broader understanding of how water science and technology are integrated into societal frameworks, influencing both local and global water management strategies. At Rice University, Andrea leads the Ethnography Studio, a collaborative space where students and researchers engage in critical discussions and projects related to anthropological methods and theories. Through her teaching and mentorship, she fosters an environment that encourages innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing the next generation of scholars to tackle the pressing challenges of water governance and beyond.