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Originally from Mérida, Mexico, Ana Patricia Chuc Gamboa has worked as a lawyer advising foreign companies which import and export raw materials in Mexico. Now she is working on a PhD at Queen’s in order to study the trade agreements which those companies rely on. Ana Patricia has a Master’s degree in International Law from the Graduate School of Government and Public Policy – now called the School of Government and Public Transformation – at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education and a second Master’s degree in Constitutional Law from the Autonomous University of Yucatan where she focused on human rights.

These experiences are all coming together for her PhD project on the relationship between free trade agreements and human rights. “While I was in private practice I saw firsthand the importance of free trade agreements because of their economic impact on my country’s development,” says Ana Patricia. “However, I also saw how multinational and transnational companies could worsen serious human rights problems.”

Describing this as the reason she decided to embark on further academic studies, Ana Patricia elaborates on her previous research. “My Master’s studies showed me that nowadays countries are more concerned about their international reputation and sign international treaties without creating the right conditions for their implementation.” Now she is further developing this research. “I have new questions that must be answered: why is the phenomenon of free trade so uneven and what should governments do about this situation? These questions motivate me to continue.” She is answering them together with her supervisor Professor Bita Amani, an expert in intellectual property, feminist legal theory and private international law.

Ana Patricia views education as an investment in her future. “Queen’s is the ideal place for me to make that investment. It is not only a great university to study but is also an amazing place with people from around the world that enriches my cultural and social growth.” Furthermore, she praises the supportiveness of the academic staff. “Last summer I came to the University and I met Professor Michael Pratt, the law faculty’s Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at the time and a wonderful person. He encouraged me to apply and was very helpful during the admission process. Maybe if it wasn’t for his help I wouldn’t be here today.”

Outside of her studies, Ana Patricia enjoys swimming at the Athletics and Recreation Centre, travelling the world, reading and spending time with family.