Dr. Vargas, with his team at GeoAdaptive, is creating the alternative futures scenarios for the INOGO project. GeoAdaptive specializes in this strategic spatial planning and supporting technologies. Their work uses spatial analysis and scenario methods to help clients visualize alternative futures and their consequences. GeoAdaptive deploys a trans-disciplinary approach which engages key stakeholders and integrates best available science using geographic information systems.

Dr. Vargas is a principal partner at GeoAdaptive and a Lecturer and Research Scientist at the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is an urban designer and landscape planner and is responsible for management and project operations at GeoAdaptive. Dr. Vargas specializes in a variety of project types, including master planning, scenario planning, simulation modeling, visual assessment, resort planning, and open space planning. At MIT he serves as a research scientist and manages projects on rapid urban and rural change, climate change, and ecosystem conservation. He has served as the Assistant Director of MIT-USGS Science Impact Collaborative and as a Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the University of Costa Rica. Dr. Vargas holds a Diploma in Architecture and Urban Design from University of Costa Rica, a Master in Design Studies and a Doctor of Design, in Landscape Planning and Ecology, degrees from Harvard University.