Stephanie is a political scientist and sociologist dedicated to exploring the intersections of democracy, justice, environment, and technology. Her work examines how governance structures, policy frameworks, and emerging technologies shape societal outcomes—particularly in moments of crisis and transformation. Passionate about interdisciplinary research and participatory methodologies, she continuously seeks to translate complex social, cultural, and political dynamics into impactful policies and projects.
Stephanie's primary case studies have focused on the Mariana and Brumadinho mining disasters in Brazil, analysing how disasters reshape governance, policy, and the lived realities of affected communities. This research provided her with a deep understanding of institutional responses to crises, corporate accountability, and environmental justice—knowledge that she aims to apply in broader contexts, including climate governance, AI ethics, and participatory policymaking.
Stephanie has over ten years of experience in field research, policy development, data analysis, and community engagement. Most recently, she worked as a Communications Specialist for AECOM do Brasil, where she spearheaded the socio-economic research front on food security analysis of products produced with water from the Doce River, which was affected by the Mariana mining disaster. Before that, she served as a Social Project Analyst at Agência de Iniciativas Cidadãs (AIC), where she led the Vale Cuidar project that focused on raising awareness of early childhood experiences in the municipalities of Resplendor and Tumiritinga in Brazil.
Stephanie's work is grounded in two key areas. Firstly, leading high-impact research that informs policy and drives systemic change by integrating qualitative and quantitative insights to uncover patterns of inequality and institutional failures. Secondly, designing, implementing, and evaluating social projects that bridge research and practice, ensuring that decision-making is both evidence-based and centered on those most affected.
Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and an MSc in Inequalities and Social Science from the London School of Economics and Social Science. During her time at LSE, she strengthened her methodological toolkit, incorporating qualitative, computational, and mixed methods to analyse systemic injustices and develop strategies for social change.
Change happens when knowledge is shared, when we make space for different kinds of knowledge, and through this, recognise inequality. In my experience working with communities impacted by environmental disasters, naming the situation as unequal is imperative—it sheds light, it says, ‘This is happening, these are the consequences.’ But change also happens when we move beyond words into action, refusing to hide behind language. Recognition is the first step, but true transformation comes when we act upon it.Stephanie Gomes Reis