Dr. Álvaro A. Bernal is a professor in the Foreign Language Department at UPJ, where he has served as a faculty member since 2006. He holds a PhD in Spanish from the University of Iowa, a Master’s degree in English Literature from Governors State University, a Master’s degree in Latin American Literature from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing in Spanish from Universidad Internacional de la Rioja, Spain.

Dr. Bernal is the author of two theoretical books on Bogotá:

· Percepciones e imágenes de Bogotá: Expresiones literarias urbanas (2010; second edition 2018)

· Bogotá: Realidades, delirios y ficciones (2016)

He has also published over 20 refereed articles focusing on Latin American literature and culture. Beyond his scholarly work, Dr. Bernal is passionate about fostering a global perspective among his students. He actively encourages participation in study abroad programs and engagement with the Spanish Club to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of Hispanic language and culture.