Francis Castro

Francis Stanley Castro Melo is an economist, data scientist, planner, and project manager whose career reflects a deep commitment to economic, human, and sustainable development. Since his early years of training at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Francis has built a career that combines solid academic knowledge with vast experience in project implementation and management at both the local and international levels. His academic background is broad and diverse, having obtained multiple postgraduate degrees from prestigious European institutions. Noteworthy are his Master's Degree in Rural-Local Development Project Planning and Sustainable Management from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and his Master's Degree in Project Management, in addition to several expertises and specialisations in Project Management and International Trade, all awarded by the European Business School of Barcelona in collaboration with the Isabel I University of Burgos. This training has provided him with a developmental, comprehensive and strategic vision for tackling complex projects in different contexts. Throughout his career, Francis has held leadership roles in various institutions. In his previous job, he served as director of the Data Intelligence Directorate at the Ministry of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic. In this role, he was responsible for leading the implementation of data-driven strategies to optimise government decision-making, demonstrating his ability to integrate data science into public management. Throughout his career, Francis has held leadership roles in important institutions, where his ability to design, plan, and execute strategies has been key to the success of numerous initiatives. As a consultant and project director in the private sector, he has led the business strategy of organisations, managing projects ranging from organisational intelligence to data science. His work at the Ministry of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic, where he was responsible for tracking, monitoring and evaluating plans and programmes, is a testament to his ability to manage large-scale projects with a meticulous and results-oriented approach. In addition to his experience in project management, Francis is a committed academic and trainer. He has taught courses and workshops at institutions such as the University of the Caribbean and the National School of Statistics, where he has shared his knowledge in areas such as analytics, data science, and advanced office automation. His pedagogical approach is based on the practical application of concepts, enabling his students to acquire skills that are directly applicable in the job market. Francis' contribution to the field of international development and cooperation is equally remarkable. His research, some of which has been published in high-impact scientific journals, addresses crucial issues such as freedom in development and cooperation between countries. These publications not only reflect his deep understanding of global challenges, but also his commitment to finding solutions that promote more equitable and sustainable development. In short, Francis Stanley Castro Melo is a multifaceted professional whose career is marked by academic excellence, practical experience and an unwavering commitment to sustainable development. His ability to lead complex projects, his strategic vision and his dedication to education and research make him a leading figure in his field.