Cristina Ares is Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Santiago de Compostela. She holds a PhD in Political Science and Public Administration, and a master's degree in European Political and Administrative Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges. Her research activity is currently focused on the administrative dimension of multilevel governance, and the evolving role of parliaments in the European Union. She is also a lover of coffee, plants, and travel narrative.