Dr. Alfaro's interests involve developing best practices for sustainable development in least developed countries through the use of technology as a catalyst for increasing returns and policy as a force multiplier to create virtuous cycles of well being. He focuses on the food, energy, water nexus (FEW) and uses the tools of complex systems and Industrial Ecology to identify, develop, and implement these best practices. His previous research used complex systems to develop policy planning tools for the deployment of renewable energy with complementary goals of electrification and sustainable development. His classes focus on the appropriate engagement with communities for sustainable development, ethics of international engagement, and the use of appropriate technology with communities.