Christian Casillas

I am a PhD candidate in the Energy and Resources Group at Berkeley. The main focus of my research and work for the past 4 years has been related to understanding the role of energy systems in the development of rural communities. My research is based on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua, where I work with the NGO blueEnergy, on projects related to the integration of renewable energy technologies into new or existing electricity systems.

I have recently become focused on understanding the social, political and economic relationships that have limited the many indigenous coastal communities from benefiting from the rich natural resources of their land. I am currently trying to understand the dynamics of the local economies and institutional relationships, and wondering what a more just economy might look like. I am curious to know what roles land rights, resource management, and local biomass based energy systems might play in the reformation of existing enclave economies.

I am also a Santa Fe native, and concerned about the deepening inequalities and social and environmental poverty which are manifest within this beautiful city.