Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development for UC Riverside│Faculty Director, UC Alianza MX
Vicerrector de Investigación, Innovación y Desarrollo Económico de UC Riverside│Director de Facultad, UC Alianza MX
Rodolfo H. Torres serves as Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development at UC Riverside, where he leads campus-wide research and innovation initiatives and fosters collaboration across sectors to drive regional and statewide economic growth. He also serves as Faculty Director of UC Alianza MX, a University of California multicampus research unit that strengthens binational collaboration between California and Mexico. His research in harmonic analysis uncovers patterns in complex data with applications ranging from mathematics to signal and image analysis.
Associate Director for Research and Innovation
Director Asociado de Investigación e Innovación
Aaron joined the UC Alianza MX team in 2022, and he provides oversight of system-wide research collaboration with Mexican partners, including funding opportunities to support basic and applied research projects, strategic engagement with non-academic stakeholders through binational working groups, and binational initiatives to support technology transfer. Aaron holds a doctorate in International Relations from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and both a master’s degree in Latin American Studies and an undergraduate degree in International Politics from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.
Senior Research Partnerships Lead
Líder Senior de Alianzas de Investigación
Anaid joined UC Alianza MX in 2021. She leads initiatives that strengthen research collaboration between UC and Mexican institutions, developing binational programs and strategic partnerships that advance joint research, innovation, and social impact. Anaid holds a Master’s Degree in International Cooperation for Development from Instituto Mora and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from El Colegio de San Luis.
Senior Strategic Partnerships Lead
Líder Senior de Alianzas Estratégicas
Jail Ixel joined UC Alianza MX in 2023 and leads initiatives that strengthen collaboration between the University of California and non-academic partners in Mexico. She coordinates the Binational Working Groups which advance joint research and policy agendas that connect academia, government, and industry through partnerships that bridge science and policy toward a more sustainable future. Jail holds a Master’s in Economics of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development and a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from UNAM.
Associate Director of Academic Exchange and Continuing Education
Directora Asociada de Intercambio Académico y Educación Continua
Andrea is responsible for the design and articulation of Alianza MX’s strategy to foster student academic mobility and exchange as well as talent development between the University of California and Mexico. Andrea holds a Master’s in Public Policy from King’s College London and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Tecnológico de Monterrey. She joined the UC Alianza MX team in 2021.
Yazmín joined the UC Alianza MX team in 2022. She supports the coordination, implementation, and promotion of academic and continuing education programs in Mexico for both UC and Mexican audiences. Her work focuses on student mobility initiatives, including the Climate Ambassadors program, among others. Yazmín holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM).
Associate Director of Operations
Directora Asociada de Operaciones
Julianna joined the UC Alianza MX team in 2023 and provides administrative oversight of Alianza operations including Casa de California in Mexico City. Julianna earned a Master of Arts degree in student affairs administration from Michigan State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in human services from CSU Fullerton. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the Higher Education Leadership Ph.D. program at Colorado State University.
Associate Director for Operations of Casa de California
Directora Asociada de Operaciones de Casa de California
Verónica joined the La Casa de la Universidad de California en México team in 2007 and UC Alianza MX in 2019. She manages the full spectrum of administrative, event, and overall operational activities for Alianza’s Mexico City Office, Casa de California. Verónica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Science from the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
Senior Academic and Research Programs Officer
Oficial Senior de Programas Académicos y de Investigación
Julio Sosa joined the UC Alianza MX team in 2022. He supports the administration of all UC Alianza research and mobility calls and coordinates research and academic initiatives for UC and Mexican graduate students. Julio holds a Master of Business Administration from Northcentral University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Management from California State University, Northridge.
Outreach and Communication Coordinator
Coordinador de Comunicación y Difusión
Antonio joined the UC Alianza MX team in January 2023. He is responsible for coordinating activities to implement and enhance the outreach, events, and communication strategy that supports the Alianza MX program and its mission to strengthen academic and research collaboration between the University of California and Mexico. Antonio holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Universidad Iberoamericana and a Master’s in International Business Management from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.
Climate Ambassadors is a UC Alianza MX initiative to build a network of students of the University of California and Mexican institutions and connect them with career opportunities within the new climate economy and society.
Climate Ambassadors work together on crossborder climate, sustainability and social justice challenges, building a network for impact.
For more information climateambassadors@ucr.edu
