Rafael comes to Princeton with five years’ experience in International Development. He served in the Peace Corps in Cambodia for a year and a half up until the COVID Pandemic. Subsequently, Rafael assumed a pivotal role at Mercy Corps in Portland, administering leadership development programs that reinforced the organization's internal capacities.

At SPIA, Rafael is pivoting his career back to his policy roots and engaging in coursework on energy and environmental regulation. At C-PREE, he is particularly interested in exploring the intersection of international environmental cooperation and energy security. 

Rafael has also worked as a Staff Assistant for U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, where he supported constituent service support during the pandemic. He earned a BA in Political Science from Lewis & Clark College in 2018.

Rafael considers Portland and the Pacific Northwest home. In his free time, he enjoys staying active by running, climbing, hiking, and playing basketball. He is also an enthusiastic gamer esports fan, reflecting his penchant for strategic thinking and competitive spirit.