My Story
I am Tamar Zehla Jiménez Velázquez from México. I am a PhD student at the Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD) (Interdisciplinary Center for Environmental Studies and Development) at Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) (National Polytechnic Institute), in Mexico.
My academic journey is a unique blend of environmental sociology at the Universidad Autonóma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco (UAM-X), energy and environmental policies and management at the Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO), and a master’s degree in social sciences and Humanities with a focus on socio-territorial studies and environmental sociology at the Universidad Autonóma Metropolitana Unidad Cuajimalpa (UAM-C).
My academic journey has been diverse, with research stays at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain and the Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza in Costa Rica. My background in Law, Human Development, Environmental Sciences, technical studies in English, environmental technology engineering, Communication Sciences, and first aid has provided me with a multidisciplinary perspective that I bring to my research and teaching.
My research is focused on analyzing the impact of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC) in Mesoamerica (Mexico and Costa Rica), focusing on the capital framework, socioecological resilience, and biocultural heritage and landscape.
Experience
I have taught in educational institutions in Mexico, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. I have evaluated educational programs at the federal and state levels, as well as federal energy projects from a social perspective in Mexico.
I have lectured around the world on social issues, the humanities, communication sciences, applied public policy, environmental education, and social energy, among other topics.
I have academic papers focused on climate change, environmental sociology, and social metabolism.
Lines of Research
Environmental sociology, climate change, qualitative statistics, socio-ecological resilience, complex systems, social fractals, indigenous knowledge, ecological knowledge, community feminism, philosophy of science, Eco-theology, human geography, landscape, and heritage.
Project in development
I am guiding an Ecuadorian indigenous student on a project led by indigenous women leaders in Alto Chirripó, Costa Rica.
I am developing an educational program designed to prepare researchers to teach individuals who are deaf and blind.
Building Community
My interest in supporting the Spanish-speaking and English-speaking communities is reflected in my initiative to teach English classes for free at a Latino Cultural Community Center. This endeavor is not only about language but also about learning and sharing indigenous knowledge and culture.
Hobbies
I am passionate about reading, writing, swimming, biking, walking, going to the gym, visiting museums, fixing bikes and cars, and spending time with my beautiful dogs.