People

Alisha studies comparative political economy, focusing on urban politics and social policy.  In particular, her dissertation research examines the politics of non-enforcement of laws ("forbearance") in Latin America.  She focuses on forbearance toward illegal land occupations and street vending in Lima, Bogotá, and Santiago.  She is also interested in crime, clientelism, and local government.  Alisha graduated from Princeton University in 2007, where she received the Pyne Prize, the highest distinction awarded to an undergraduate.  She then worked for the Americas Division of Human Rights Watch in Chile, Venezuela, and Colombia.