In her doctoral research, Juanita worked with community leaders, government members, chambers of commerce, and private companies to design a network to strengthen community justice practices of peaceful conflict resolution in Colombia. This project was based on systemic intervention principles, using methodologies of systems thinking with a focus on equitable justice.
The design and implementation of the network required collaboration among various sectors. Juanita facilitated the integration of different perspectives and expertise into a unified strategy. The goal was not only to resolve immediate conflicts but also to build a framework for future community justice initiatives.
After completing her doctorate, Juanita became a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Institute of Population Health in the University of Liverpool. Here, she worked on the government-funded SALIENT consortium, which aims to create interventions for healthier eating and reducing food insecurity in England. Juanita applied her systems thinking skills to design and execute randomised controlled trials within food banks and community food club networks. She focused on researching how these interventions were sustainable and could drive long-term systemic change.
Today, Juanita is an Assistant Professor in Systems Thinking. She brings her experience and knowledge to the academic community, teaching and mentoring students in systems principles and methods. Her teaching is influenced by her practical work, emphasising interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, adaptability and multimethodology.