PhD Spotlight: Gerardo Gentil

Exploring water governance

I am originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, a Caribbean city shaped by the Magdalena River and the social, political, and environmental dynamics that surround it. I hold a Master of Laws (LL.M.) with a concentration in Energy and Environmental Law from Penn State University, and completed the Graduate Program in Water Conflict Management and Transformation at Oregon State University. Through stakeholder-engaged research, I have contributed to reports to the United Nations and worked in state and federally-funded projects across the United States at domestic and transboundary river basins.

My doctoral research focuses on how social dynamics influence water governance, particularly in transboundary and institutionally complex settings. My work is centered on addressing problems and exploring the connections between human and natural systems. I analyze the underlying principles, stories, and regulations that influence the interactions between social and ecological aspects. This involves studying real-world human discussions, societal behaviors, legislation, policies, and the politics of different locations, making my work pertinent to both policy-making and scientific communities.

“My work is motivated by the belief that effective policy is not only about technical design, but about relationships, institutions, and the social foundations that sustain collective action.”

Promoting resilience and cooperation

Growing up in Barranquilla, I became aware of how deeply water is intertwined with inequality, development, and institutional capacity. These early observations, combined with my professional experiences, led me to question why some governance systems foster cooperation and resilience while others struggle with fragmentation and distrust. My work is motivated by the belief that effective policy is not only about technical design, but about relationships, institutions, and the social foundations that sustain collective action.

Mitigating flood risks

My long-term goal is to become a faculty member and contribute to both scholarship and mentorship. I aspire to produce research that advances theoretical understandings of how stakeholder engagement and conversations at the community level can shape water availability and flood mitigation planning and policy, while also informing policymakers working in complex water systems. Through teaching and research, I hope to help train the next generation of scholars and practitioners who are committed to building more adaptive and resilient governance institutions.