Biography
Marcela Aguilar has a background in economics and public policy. Her research focuses on the role of accounting in informal economies, informed by her experience working with the International Labour Organization in Central America and the Caribbean.
Aguilar is passionate about using research to address real-world challenges, especially in developing economies. Over the years, she鈥檚 contributed to policy development, microenterprise growth, and social issues like child labor and education, collaborating with various agencies of the United Nations and national institutions.
Aguilar also co-founded and co-organizes the Accounting & Development Forum (ADF) and the Accounting & Finance Field Experiments community (AFFE). Together, these initiatives host webinars and in-person conferences that provide a platform for sharing both early-stage and more developed work on accounting and development, with a particular focus on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Outside of work, Aguilar enjoys chess and has had the honor of being a National Female Chess Champion of El Salvador. She also loves traveling and learning from new cultures.
Aguilar earned a PhD in Business Accounting from Rice University. 聽She holds a Master of Science in Economics and Public Policy from University of York, York, England, where she graduated with distinction. 聽She also holds a Bachelor in Economics from Universidad Centroamericana Jos茅 Sime贸n Ca帽as, La Libertad, El Salvador.
Academic Areas
- Accounting