Elvira Restrepo
Interview Posted By: Jerrica Li
Mrs. Elvira Restrepo is a wonderful, amiable mother Jerrica Li's sister’s teammate on the Harvard swim team. Here is an interview with an outstandingly accomplished and intelligent women about her life and how she manages it all!
Profile:
Born in Colombia, South America
Educated with a Law Degree from Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, a Master in Law from Harvard Law School in Cambridge MA and also has a PhD in Politics from Oxford University
Currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of International Studies at the University of Miami and does research on conflict and crime using quantitative and qualitative methods (phew!)
1. When did you start becoming interested in STEM? How does STEM relate to your job?
(I worked) at an Economics Think Tank in Colombia (Fedesarrollo) where I won a grant to measure the efficiency and efficacy of the Colombian Criminal Attorney’s office in 2001. I use science and technology in my research. It increases accuracy and analysis when complemented with qualitative work
2. Who was a mentor to you throughout your career? (can be more than one!) What did they teach you? How did they impact your life?
My first mentor was my Roman Law Professor , Dr Eduardo Alvarez Correa, he stimulated my creativity and taught me the fundamental principles of law. Later on Laurence Whitehead, my Oxford University Thesis referee . He advise me to turn my dissertation into my first book. The Colombia Criminal System in Crisis. Fear and Distrust, Palgrave-Macmillan 2003
3. How did the professional environment differ in the various countries you've worked and interacted in? Does culture impact your work experience and if so, how did you handle those adjustments?
Yes definitely culture matters a lot. I was privileged enough to study in 3 different countries and also to understand different cultures and experiences.
4. What is the best and worst part of your job? What do you look forward to in your job on a day to day basis?
The best is that they pay me for learning ! The second best is that we have an amazingly flexible schedule. Long periods like the summer are a privilege not many professionals can afford. I like what I do and love teaching.
5. Have you faced any discrimination/ challenges being a woman in a stem field? How did you deal with it?
Not overtly, however in academia we women have to work harder and be much better than our male colleagues to get similar positions and recognition. Women are not necessarily helpful with other women in general in academia and this is something all women need to ponder and hopefully change
Profile:
Born in Colombia, South America
Educated with a Law Degree from Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, a Master in Law from Harvard Law School in Cambridge MA and also has a PhD in Politics from Oxford University
Currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of International Studies at the University of Miami and does research on conflict and crime using quantitative and qualitative methods (phew!)
1. When did you start becoming interested in STEM? How does STEM relate to your job?
(I worked) at an Economics Think Tank in Colombia (Fedesarrollo) where I won a grant to measure the efficiency and efficacy of the Colombian Criminal Attorney’s office in 2001. I use science and technology in my research. It increases accuracy and analysis when complemented with qualitative work
2. Who was a mentor to you throughout your career? (can be more than one!) What did they teach you? How did they impact your life?
My first mentor was my Roman Law Professor , Dr Eduardo Alvarez Correa, he stimulated my creativity and taught me the fundamental principles of law. Later on Laurence Whitehead, my Oxford University Thesis referee . He advise me to turn my dissertation into my first book. The Colombia Criminal System in Crisis. Fear and Distrust, Palgrave-Macmillan 2003
3. How did the professional environment differ in the various countries you've worked and interacted in? Does culture impact your work experience and if so, how did you handle those adjustments?
Yes definitely culture matters a lot. I was privileged enough to study in 3 different countries and also to understand different cultures and experiences.
4. What is the best and worst part of your job? What do you look forward to in your job on a day to day basis?
The best is that they pay me for learning ! The second best is that we have an amazingly flexible schedule. Long periods like the summer are a privilege not many professionals can afford. I like what I do and love teaching.
5. Have you faced any discrimination/ challenges being a woman in a stem field? How did you deal with it?
Not overtly, however in academia we women have to work harder and be much better than our male colleagues to get similar positions and recognition. Women are not necessarily helpful with other women in general in academia and this is something all women need to ponder and hopefully change
