Fernando is a Fulbright Faculty Development Program nominee from the Dominican Republic. He holds a bachelor's in economics from the PUCMM of Santo Domingo and has worked for the past five years in multiple institutions of the Dominican government, such as the Central Bank, the Ministry of Economy, Development and Planning, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. His work includes educational reform projects, such as creating the National Qualifications Institute, and industrial policy, namely the elaboration of the National Nearshoring Plan. Fernando was also part of the COVID response task force during the pandemic and collaborated in creating emergency economic and social relief programs. Before starting the MPA program, he was a supervisor in the economic advisory team for the Minister of Industry and Commerce. He considers himself a development romantic, which is why, upon graduation, he plans on returning to his country and use his skills to contribute to the Dominican Republic's quest for prosperity through development using evidence-based policies. Outside the classroom, he enjoys football, tennis, and jogging, exploring new places, and pampering his pet beagle Trufa.