Dr. Nikolai Alvarado

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Nikolai Alvarado is an urban geographer and migration scholar whose research focuses on the spatial politics of migration in global South cities. His work engages with urban peripheries and seeks to understand how migrant communities navigate their environments, particularly in relation to Nicaraguan migration to Costa Rica. Alvarado's research addresses the complexities of migrant-state relations and urban governance, emphasizing the material aspects of migrant political subjectivities. He explores the racialized processes of bordering that affect cities and the environmental justice challenges faced by migrants in these spaces. His empirical work is situated in La Carpio, one of the largest informal settlements in Central America. Alvarado aims to contribute to migration studies from a southern perspective, focusing on the everyday manifestations of migration in urban settings.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Illinois

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:103
GRE General
Prerequisites
Mathematical background Linear Algebra Calculus
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is optional for admission to all graduate programs in Statistics. Full status admission requires higher language scores than limited status.