My name is Javier Santiago Buitrago Basallo, and I am a political scientist from El Bosque University. I graduated in 2022 with a distinction for my thesis: "Responsiveness and Political Culture: The Interests of the El Bosque Academic Community vs. the 2020-2023 Bogotá Mayoral Candidates." I was a member of the Observatory from 2019 to 2022, where I was part of the South American region's work team. My research interests focused on history and democracy. My current professional career is in the private sector. The greatest contribution the Observatory gave me during my university life was teaching me to love my career, develop a passion for history, and confront the sociopolitical realities of my profession, all within a period of professional uncertainty. For this reason and more, I am proud of my training and grateful for everything they gave me during my time at the university.

​

​

My name is David García. I am a political scientist from El Bosque University, graduating in 2023 with a distinction for my thesis "Social Production of the Post-Agreement in the Department of Caquetá between 2019 and 2021." This is an analysis of the current situational trajectory from the Departmental Coordinator of Social, Environmental, and Peasant Organizations of Caquetá (COORDOSAC). I was a member of the Observatory from 2017 to 2023, and my research interests focused on issues of Youth, Conflict, and Territorial Peacebuilding. My current professional work is in the PUBLIC sector as Head of Communications for a Representative in the House of Representatives. I also work as a researcher, human rights defender, and technical advisor for peasant organizations. The greatest contribution the Observatory gave me during my university career was to enhance the scientific approach to understanding political phenomena, strengthen the investigative spirit, deploy research capabilities in both qualitative and quantitative dimensions, and foster leadership skills.

​

​

I am Moisés Portilla, a political scientist from El Bosque University, who graduated in 2024 with a distinction for my thesis "Resignifying Heritage in Times of Protest: The Monument to Los Héroes during the 2021 National Strike in Colombia." I was a member of the Observatory between 2021 and 2023, and my research interests focused on post-conflict issues, peacebuilding, human rights, and political conflicts. These motivations led me to complete my internship in the JEP's Recognition Room. My professional work is currently in the private sector. The greatest contribution the Observatory gave me during my university career was the valuable opportunity to immerse myself in rigorous research that gave me a deep understanding of the trends and challenges impacting democracies in the Americas. These experiences not only enriched my academic training but also equipped me with key analytical skills for my professional growth.

​

​

I am Paola Andrea Ávila Borda, a political scientist who graduated with honors from Universidad El Bosque in 2024, with a meritorious thesis entitled: "Dimensions of State Strengthening: Beyond Securitization." During my time at the university, I was an active member of the Observatory between 2020 and 2024, focusing on research on organized crime, state fragility, and security. These interests led me to do my internship at the Ministry of National Defense. Currently, I work in the public sector. My experience at the Observatory was fundamental, as it allowed me to adopt a positivist perspective in political science, working with data and figures that objectively reflect reality. Furthermore, it gave me a critical understanding of the indicators and indices that measure political phenomena, which enriched my analysis and reflection in the field of politics.

​

​