About Universidad de Chile

Javier García Sánchez holds a PhD in Economics from Universidad de Navarra and earned the Gold Medal in Computer Science from Universidad de Buenos Aires. As a Full Professor of Finance and Academic Director of the Executive MBA at IAE Business School, he has established himself as a leading voice in business education. His academic influence extends throughout Latin America, serving as a professor at Universidad de Montevideo and ESE Business School in Santiago de Chile, while also contributing as a visiting professor at prestigious institutions including INALDE in Colombia, IDE in Ecuador, and PAD in Peru.

Catalina Lizama serves as a professional at the Center for Teaching and Learning at the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Chile, where she specializes in student support and skill development. Her academic credentials include a Master's in Educational Psychology and a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Chile. Her expertise focuses on higher education, particularly in areas related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. In her role at the Center for Teaching and Learning, she leads initiatives to develop students' learning skills, emphasizing strategies to promote effective learning in university settings. Through her Coursera course "Potenciando mi aprendizaje en el primer año de Universidad" (Enhancing My Learning in the First Year of University), she helps new university students develop crucial skills for academic success. Her work reflects a commitment to improving educational outcomes and promoting inclusive learning environments in higher education.

Francisca Sandoval serves as Director of the Sustainable Campus at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEN) at the University of Chile, where she leads initiatives in environmental sustainability and social economics. Her expertise focuses on sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and social economies. Through her Coursera course "Sustentabilidad y Economías Sociales," which has enrolled over 38,000 students, she teaches crucial concepts about sustainability, climate change, and social economies. The course maintains an impressive 4.7/5 rating from over 1,300 student reviews, reflecting its effectiveness in addressing modern business sustainability challenges. Her work at FEN has been instrumental in achieving significant environmental certifications, including the Clean Production Agreement compliance and recognition from the Huella Chile Program for greenhouse gas quantification. Her teaching emphasizes the integration of sustainability principles into business practices, focusing on social responsibility and environmental impact management.

James Rebolledo serves as an Academic at the University of Chile's Department of Medicine since 2016, combining expertise in kinesiology and community psychology. With a Master's in Community Psychology and specialized training in Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR), he focuses on inclusive development and disability rights. As a member of the coordinating team of the Nucleus on Inclusive Development at the Faculty of Medicine, he leads transdisciplinary initiatives promoting human rights-based approaches to disability. His expertise in qualitative research methodologies for social research has contributed to numerous university outreach projects. Through his Coursera courses, he shares his knowledge of inclusive health practices and community-based rehabilitation approaches, emphasizing the importance of human rights in healthcare delivery. His work reflects a commitment to promoting inclusive development and ensuring healthcare accessibility for all community members.

Dr. Luis Felipe de la Vega Rodriguez serves as an educational researcher and professor at the University of Chile, specializing in educational improvement, policy evaluation, and school leadership. His academic work is evidenced by numerous highly-cited publications focusing on educational accountability, rural education, and school improvement. His research has significantly impacted educational policy, particularly in areas of school accountability and professional development for teachers. Through his Coursera course "Trabajando en la preparación para el cambio educativo" (Working on Preparing for Educational Change), he helps educators understand and implement effective school improvement strategies. His expertise spans multiple areas including educational improvement, public policy evaluation, teacher professional development, and educational leadership, with particular focus on rural education context

Dr. Martín Pérez Comisso serves as Coordinator of Inter and Transdisciplinary Projects in the School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Chile, combining expertise in chemistry and science and technology studies. After completing his chemistry degree and MSc in Chemistry from the University of Chile, he has focused his research on sociotechnical knowledge and science-society relationships since 2011. His teaching experience includes roles as professor of Introduction to Technology courses at the Faculty of Economics and Business, and involvement in the general training program (CFG) since 2011 and the Summer School extension program since 2014. Through his Coursera course "¿Cómo (nos) cambia la Tecnología?" (How Does Technology Change Us?), he explores the relationships between technology and society. His work emphasizes active learning and decolonial pedagogies, aiming to democratize scientific knowledge and promote responsible technological development in Latin America.

Dr. María Soledad Martínez Gutiérrez serves as Assistant Professor in the Health Policies, Systems and Management Program at the University of Chile's School of Public Health. Her extensive academic credentials include an MD, Master's and Specialization in Public Health from the University of Chile, and a Ph.D. in Health Services and Policy Analysis from UC Berkeley. Her research focuses on health inequities, particularly examining disparities in healthcare access and outcomes based on income and insurance type in Chile. Her professional experience includes significant work within Chile's public health system, including roles in various Health Services and the Ministry of Health's Investment Department. Through her Coursera course "Seguimiento de casos y contactos COVID-19," she shares expertise in contact tracing and pandemic response strategies. Her research has contributed significantly to understanding healthcare disparities and system performance indicators, with particular emphasis on Primary Health Care and the Chilean Health System's effectiveness

Mauro Tamayo serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Chile's Faculty of Medicine, combining expertise in physical therapy with public policy. With a Master's in Management and Public Policy, he specializes in social inclusion, disability rights, primary healthcare, and social determinants of health. His leadership extends to directing the Postgraduate Diploma in Community-Based Rehabilitation, which reached its seventh iteration in 2019. His public service includes serving as Director of the National Disability Service under the Ministry of Social Development (2014-2015). Through his Coursera course "Inclusión social de personas con discapacidad desde un enfoque de derechos," he shares expertise in disability rights and social inclusion. His research focuses on developing inclusive approaches to rehabilitation and healthcare delivery, particularly emphasizing community-based solutions and social determinants of health.

Dr. Oscar Jerez serves as Director of the Teaching and Learning Center at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Chile, bringing extensive expertise in educational psychology and innovation. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Psychology and Education from the University of Granada, a Master's in Education with focus on Educational Informatics from the University of Chile, and degrees in Philosophy from both the Università Pontificia Salesiana di Roma and University of Chile. His research focuses on teaching excellence, curriculum development, and educational innovation, evidenced by his role as Principal Investigator of FONDECYT projects studying effective teaching methods in large classes and the development of 21st-century ICT skills. As a Research Fellow affiliated with Harvard University and consultant for LASPAU-HARVARD, he has influenced educational practices across Latin America. His impact extends to co-creating Teaching and Learning Centers at various universities and working with the European Union on African higher education projects. Through his Coursera courses, he shares expertise in educational innovation and effective teaching methodologies, while continuing to shape educational policy as a member of Chile's National Accreditation Commission (CNA).

Pablo Gálvez Ortega serves as a healthcare educator at the University of Chile, combining expertise in midwifery with extensive training in public health and medical education. His academic credentials include a Master's in Public Health and multiple specialized diplomas in Health Sciences Teaching, Hospital Infection Control, Healthcare Quality Management, ICT-based Teaching, and Clinical Simulation. His professional certifications include accreditation as a Basic Life Support (BLS) instructor from the American Heart Association and as a Neonatal Resuscitation Program instructor from the Chilean Pediatric Society. Through his Coursera course "Cuidados y procedimientos generales en la atención del recién nacido" (General Care and Procedures in Newborn Care), he shares his expertise in neonatal care and healthcare practices. His teaching methodology combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing evidence-based practices in newborn care and infection prevention. His work reflects a commitment to improving healthcare education and neonatal care standards through innovative teaching methods

Pedro Hidalgo serves as Associate Professor and Academic Director of the Global MBA program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Chile. His academic credentials include a Master of Science in Business from the University of Kansas and degrees in Commercial Engineering and Accounting from the University of Chile. His expertise spans strategic marketing, consumer behavior, and business administration. As a member of multiple academic committees, including the MBA Academic Committee and the Corporate Governance and Capital Markets Center, he shapes business education policy at the university level. Through his highly successful Coursera course "Marketing Gerencial," which has enrolled over 81,000 students and maintains a 4.8/5 rating from more than 2,100 reviews, he teaches strategic marketing concepts and business solutions. His teaching effectiveness is evidenced by his exceptional 4.7/5 instructor rating. Beyond academia, he contributes to the industry as a member of ICARE's Marketing Circle and serves as a jury member for prestigious marketing awards including Effie Marketing Hall of Fame

Dr. Vania Martínez serves as Full Professor at the University of Chile's Faculty of Medicine, bringing extensive expertise in adolescent psychiatry and mental health. Her academic credentials include an MD from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, specialization in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from the University of Chile, Master's degrees in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, and dual doctoral degrees in Medicine from the University of Heidelberg and Psychotherapy from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. As a researcher at the Millennium Institute for Research in Depression and Personality (MIDAP), she has led multiple FONDECYT projects focusing on depression prevention and early intervention in adolescents. Her research has garnered over 2,800 citations, reflecting her significant contributions to adolescent mental health. Through her Coursera course "Abordaje del riesgo suicida en adolescentes y jóvenes," she shares expertise in suicide prevention and intervention strategies for young people. Her work combines clinical practice, research, and policy development, having served on various ministerial advisory committees for adolescent mental health in Chile.

Verónica Pizarro serves as a professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Chile, where she specializes in cost accounting and business financial management. Through her Coursera course "Costos para los Negocios" (Costs for Business), she helps students understand fundamental concepts of cost accounting and its practical applications in business decision-making. Her teaching approach emphasizes the practical aspects of cost management, helping students develop skills in cost analysis, budgeting, and financial decision-making. The course maintains strong student engagement and satisfaction rates, reflecting her ability to make complex financial concepts accessible to diverse audiences. Her expertise in cost management and business finance has made her course an essential resource for students and professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of business cost structures and financial management strategies

Dr. Walter Sánchez has served as Full Professor at the University of Chile since 1986 and currently directs the prestigious Institute of International Studies (IEI). His extensive career spans over three decades of research and teaching in Political Science and International Relations. As Director of IEI, one of Latin America's oldest and most respected institutes for international studies, he leads research initiatives covering political, legal, economic, and historical dimensions of international relations. Through his Coursera course "América Latina en los cambios internacionales: amenazas y oportunidades," he analyzes Latin America's position in the changing international landscape, examining both challenges and opportunities facing the region. His expertise in international relations and political science has contributed significantly to the Institute's reputation as a leading center for postgraduate research and teaching in international studies. His leadership has helped maintain the Institute's tradition of high-level scholarship while adapting to contemporary global challenges.

Álvaro Besoain serves as head of outreach for the Kinesiology Department at the University of Chile's Faculty of Medicine, where he combines expertise in physical therapy with public health research. Currently pursuing his Master's in Public Health, he plays a key role in the Inclusive Development Nucleus, focusing on social inclusion and community health initiatives. His research spans multiple areas including social inclusion, community participation, informal work, and public policy development, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Through his Coursera course "Inclusión social de personas con discapacidad desde un enfoque de derechos," which has enrolled over 26,000 students and maintains a 4.8/5 rating, he helps students understand disability rights and social inclusion principles. His work emphasizes the importance of community-based rehabilitation and rights-based approaches to disability, contributing significantly to the field through research projects and university outreach programs that promote inclusive health practices and social participation