Dr. Clara Mundia is the LOCAN (Location Analytics) Director at Dalberg Research, based in Nairobi, where her work focuses on conceptualizing and managing evidence-based analysis to address research project objectives across development sectors including environment, agriculture, technology, energy, health, financial inclusion, and labor markets.

With over a decade and a half of experience in the application of geospatial analytics to advance evidence-based decision making, Clara has extensive experience building and managing teams of data and geospatial analysts and in communicating data evidence to a broad range of audiences. Her work focuses on implementing innovative research and analytics techniques and creative ways to use data in order to answer questions that align with a strong humanitarian mission. She also oversees a technical team of 12 research analysts and one of Africa’s most comprehensive geospatial research databases.

Clara is passionate about the power of data to inform and lead development initiative in emerging markets. Her interests have focused on major development challenges faced by developing countries, most notably around environmental sustainability, including mitigation and impacts of climate change on water supply and food security. Her experience also includes researching natural resource management, renewable resources, human-natural habitats, and broader aspects of sustainable development.

Clara has a doctorate in Environmental Resources and Policy and a Masters in Geography and Environmental Sciences from Southern Illinois University, and earned her Bachelor of Science from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the International Geographical Honor Society- Gamma Theta Upsilon, the Association of American University Women (AAUW), and the Association of American Geographers (AAG). She is also one of the Geospatial World’s 50 Rising Stars of 2021.