Javier E. Otero Peña
Phd, MSc, MPhil
01About
I’m a public space researcher and sustainability consultant based in Barcelona, Spain. I am passionate about making an impact in the world and helping people have better lives. I hold a PhD in Environmental Psychology from the City University of New York, where I spent years studying how people relate to public spaces, working at the intersection of public health, urban environmental justice, and digital humanities. I have led climate, energy policy, and toxic substance reduction efforts at regional and global levels, working for many years for the Clean Lighting Coalition and the United Nations Environment Programme. I have taught courses in sustainability and GIS, and I speak fluently Spanish, English, and French. I was born in Venezuela, but I also hold US and EU citizenships. I have lived in Caracas, Toulouse, Paris, Denver, New York City and Atlanta.
02Experience
Universitat Internacional de Catalunya • Barcelona, Spain • 2025 — present
Postdoctoral Researcher
Conducting research on societal resilience, public spaces, environmental education, and migration.
CUNY School of Public Health • New York City, USA • 2018 — 2025
Research Associate
Conducted research on parks in low-income neighborhoods in New York City, focusing on correlates of park use, urban environmental justice, and place attachment. Developed the GIS database for the Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces (PARCS) Study of the Center for Systems and Community Design.
Clean Lighting Coalition • Washington DC, USA • 2021 — 2023
Regional Lead, GRULAC Region
Coordinated actions in Latin America and the Caribbean, built partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders, and supported the development of tools and research to advance the campaign to end the use of mercury in lighting products. Contributed to reaching global agreement to phase-out mercury-containing fluorescent lamps by 2027, in the framework of the UN Minamata Convention on Mercury.
United Nations Environment Programme • Paris, France, and Bogota, Colombia • 2011 — 2015
Energy and Climate Consultant
Acted as liaison of the UNEP en.lighten initiative for the Americas and the Caribbean. Conducted research on the involvement and preparedness of public and private sector in Colombia for Green Climate Fund initiatives. Supported partner countries in the Latin America and Caribbean in adopting National and Regional Efficient Lighting Strategies to phase out inefficient, incandescent lamps, following an integrated policy approach that included the safe disposal of mercury-containing products and their end-of-life. Co-authored a Guidebook on the Development of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) on Lighting.
Fundación PlazaFest • Caracas, Venezuela • 2003— 2010
Director
Founded and led a non-profit organization that organized live music and artistic events in neglected and underused public spaces to foster their use, build a sense of belonging, and bring cultural events to an all-ages audience.
03Education
City University of New York • NYC, USA • 2024
PhD in Environmental Psychology
Since my PhD Studies, I have been a member of the Public Space Research Group. I was also a GC Digital Fellow, a group of students who support faculty, staff, and other students in the adoption of digital technologies in their research, teaching, and other tasks.
Institut Catholique de Paris • Paris, France • 2012
Master in Environmental Policies and Sustainable Development
Universidad Central de Venezuela • Caracas, Venezuela • 2008
Licenciado in Interpreting and Translation
Yes, in my “past life”, I was an interpreter and translator of Spanish, English, and French. I got tired of repeating what others said about important topics, and not being able to give my own opinions or propose solutions to problems, so that’s what led me to pursue studies that would allow me to learn enough to enable me to speak and make those suggestions and changes a reality. This is also my strongest way of saying “I don’t like boxes” and people should not be restricted by what they have done so far, but by their potential.
Other studies
Before going to Paris to study Environmental Policies and Sustainable Development, I studied a Diploma in Urban Planning and Management. I have also done studies in Sustainable Urban Mobility in Developing Countries, and a course in Data Visualization.
04Talk to me
If you have any questions, comments, or ideas you would like to share with me:
javier [at!] javo01.com
+34 613 087 888
+1 917 346 7153
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