During her M.S. in Land and Water Management at Wageningen University (WUR) in The Netherlands, her home country, Sonja Bleeker travelled to Peru, where she resided for 11 years. In Peru, and in collaboration with WUR and Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) she conducted extensive research on hydrosocial territories and water management, examining the power dynamics and perceptions surrounding water in both urban and rural areas. Her studies also focused on the impact of Water-related Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes on local conservation efforts and livelihoods. Sonja has been involved as a lecturer and researcher in various master’s programs at renowned Peruvian and Dutch universities, including PUCP and Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH), WUR and Larenstein University. In addition to her academic pursuits, Sonja has consistently integrated her scholarly work with hands-on experience as a development and conservation practitioner. She has managed numerous development projects related to natural resource management and local development, collaborating closely with local communities and stakeholders. This synergy between her academic and practical endeavors, along with her dedication to fostering a just and sustainable world and passion for education, positions her as a committed and impactful lecturer in political ecology.