Pontificia Universidad Católica - Chile
AUTHOR PROFILE
ORCID
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Denise Nur Misleh Heller began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, followed by an Associate of Social Science and Liberal Arts from the same institution. She then pursued an Erasmus Mundus Master Programme in Global Studies – a European Perspective, studying at the University of Leipzig in Germany and the University of Vienna in Austria. Her interdisciplinary background laid the groundwork for her future research endeavors in human geography.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Heller's professional trajectory has been marked by diverse roles in academia, public sector, civil society organizations, and international institutions. Notably, she served as a researcher at the United Nations University, Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES), where she contributed to the project "Barriers to Sustainable Infrastructure: The Case of Chile." Her work involved conducting qualitative interviews, coordinating workshops, and producing reports and scientific articles on sustainable infrastructure development.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON PUBLIC POLICY
Heller's research focuses on rural territorial development, socio-ecological transitions, alternative economies, neoliberalism, and processes of public and social innovation. Her Ph.D. thesis, titled 'Alternatives from within,' investigated the economic strategies of local food producers in England, situating these strategies within Public policy broader processes of social change and the development of alternative economies. Through her work, Heller has contributed valuable insights into the dynamics of local economies and sustainability transitions.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Heller's research has made significant contributions to the fields of human geography and sustainable development. Her work has been recognized with prestigious awards and accolades, including a Ph.D. degree awarded with maximum grade and paper awards. By engaging with key stakeholders and conducting empirical Public policy research, Heller's work has the potential to inform policy and practice in areas such as sustainable infrastructure development and climate-proofing public policies.
ACADEMIC CITATIONS
Heller's publications have garnered attention within the academic community, evidenced by citations in scholarly literature and presentations at international conferences. Her interdisciplinary approach and rigorous methodology have contributed to advancing knowledge and understanding in her areas of expertise.
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
As an interdisciplinary social researcher, Heller's legacy lies in her commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges through rigorous research and meaningful engagement with stakeholders. Her future contributions are expected to further enrich scholarly discourse and inform policy debates on issues related to rural development, sustainability, and social innovation. Through her work, Heller continues to inspire future generations of researchers and practitioners committed to creating positive social change.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
The $16 Taco: Contested Geographies of Food, Ethnicity, and Gentrification 2022