Dr. Garcia-Contreras is an Assistant Professor of International Development and Political Economy at the Center for International Studies of the University of St. Thomas. Founder and Director of the University of St. Thomas Micro Credit Program, he conducts research on microfinance and poverty alleviation and directs active service learning micro credit programs in Mexico, Turkey, Pakistan and Sub Sahara Africa. He is the author of several academic articles and serves in the editorial board of a variety of journals. He is a regular contributor to Literal Magazine.