David Shirk, director of USD’s Trans-Border Institute

When Mexico is in the news, look for the national media in 2005 to turn to University of San Diego political scientist David Shirk. At age 33, he’s already a leading expert on Mexico and U.S.-Mexico relations. The Wall Street Journal and National Public Radio were just two of the media organizations which sought his commentary during the recent Tijuana mayoral election.

As director of USD’s Trans-Border Institute, Shirk is working on a binational affairs briefing program that will bring state and local lawmakers from both sides of the border together this spring to discuss economic, environmental and other challenges. “Since 9/11 relations have become more challenging because of security concerns but San Diego and Tijuana must continue to work together as a region, and binational understanding is critical,” Shirk says.

An even bigger project lies ahead. Shirk is coordinating a project with scholars from 50 other universities on reforming Mexico’s justice system. Recommendations will be presented to Mexico’s Senate that is working on major reform legislation.