DR. CESAR MAROLLA
Global Sustainability Scientist • Urban Climate Researcher • Guitarist and Composer
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Distinguished international leader, scholar, and author with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of sustainability science, quantitative analysis, and urban climate resilience. Dr. Marolla bridges rigorous academic scholarship with field-tested expertise to solve complex systemic issues affecting today’s society. Throughout his career, he has brought innovative strategy concepts to bear on complex challenges, collaborating with prominent world leaders and international entities including the World Bank, the United Nations, Harvard University, and Columbia University.
As an educator, he designs and teaches advanced graduate curricula in climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban systems at Harvard University Division of Continuing Education and Nalanda University. As a researcher, he specializes in building frameworks and pragmatic policy solutions using risk management and Risk Mechanism Design (RMD) models to achieve social, economic, and environmental equity.
Complementing his scientific career, he is an internationally recognized guitarist and composer whose performances span five continents, whose recordings feature members of the Berlin and London Philharmonic Orchestras, and whose artistry has been recognized in the authoritative Guitar Encyclopedia (2004).
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Instructor — Division of Continuing Education | Harvard University — Cambridge, MA 2026 – Present
Taught advanced graduate course: ENVR E-241 (Section 1, CRN 17471) — Risk by Design: Building Resilience
into Urban Infrastructure.
Developed a holistic framework for advanced students and practitioners in urban planning, sustainability, public
health, and infrastructure management to understand and manage systemic risks in urban environments.
Pioneered instructions on Risk Mechanism Design (RMD), a strategic approach moving beyond traditional risk
management by applying mathematical modeling to measure risks and quantify potential impacts.
Guided students using real-world diagnostic tools, including the World Bank's climate resilience investment
framework and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)-Jameel Index for food trade vulnerability, to
evaluate shock propagation (e.g., wildfires, floods, supply chain disruptions, pandemics) through cities.
Analyzed adaptive, evidence-based infrastructure and policy responses using case studies from Los Angeles,
Mumbai, Lagos, and Mali to empower students to produce comprehensive strategic regional resilience plans.
Professor of Sustainable Urbanism and Development | Nalanda University — MBA Program Ongoing
Deliver graduate courses focused on climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster risk management, and sustainable
urban systems.
Integrate quantitative modeling, mechanism design theory, and practical policy solutions into the core
curriculum, directly connecting research to real-world policy and community applications.
Train future international leaders to co-design and implement effective, equitable climate change strategies with diverse public and private stakeholders.
Lead Author; Specialist — Climate Resilience Investment| World Bank Group Ongoing
Authored Enhancing the Climate Resilience of Infrastructure Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa in Urban Areas; serving as a comprehensive compendium for World Bank urban infrastructure initiatives.
Developed the Risk Mechanism Theory Index (RMTI)—a corrected mathematical framework for scoring, comparing, and reducing community risk—successfully applied to World Bank urban resilience case studies in Mali and Lagos.
Served as specialized expert consultant to Industrial Economics, Inc. on high-level World Bank resilience and environmental initiatives.
Quantitative Analyst & Urban Climate Researcher | Independent Research 20+ Years
Devote two decades to linking climate change science, global health, and urbanization models to optimize strategic decisions made by governments, global industries, and local communities.
Investigate how ICT, data analytics, and artificial intelligence optimize smart cities, stabilize renewable energy transitions, and mitigate global systemic risks.
Featured speaker at elite global forums including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 23), Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard Medical School, and the University of Miami Climate and Health Symposiums.
BOOKS AND KEY PUBLICATIONS
Marolla, C. (2016). Climate Health Risks in Megacities: The Urban Poor in the World's Megacities. Taylor and Francis. (Derived from extensive thesis research on vulnerable urban populations).
Marolla, C. (2018). Information and Communication Technology for Sustainable Development. Taylor and Francis. ★ Named one of the Best Sustainable Development Books of All Times by BookAuthority.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Computing, Engineering & Built Environment | Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK.
Doctoral Research supervised by Dr. Rohinton Emmanuel.
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (ALM), Sustainability and Environmental Management | Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.
Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Executive Education.
Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude) | Columbia College.
HONORS AND AWARDS
Harvard University Derek Bok Civic Prize Award (2013): Awarded for creative initiatives in community service, civic achievement, and a long-standing, dedicated record of public support.
U.S. Military Coin and Certificate of Appreciation: Presented by the U.S. Armed Forces in recognition of vital service, morale-building, and artistic support to American troops deployed during the Global War on Terror (GWOT) across the Middle East and Northeast Africa.
PARALLEL MUSICAL CAREER — GUITARIST AND COMPOSER
Dr. Marolla maintains an active, internationally acclaimed parallel career as a virtuoso guitarist and composer.
Coining his unique style, he seamlessly weaves classical precision, jazz-influenced soul, and world music elements including flamenco into a signature sonic language. His musical journey reflects the identical pursuit of excellence found in his scientific endeavors.
Performance and Humanitarian Highlights
Toured extensively throughout Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, commanding live concert audiences of up to 5,000.
Specially engaged by the U.S. Department of Defense to perform for overseas troops via Armed Forces Entertainment and the Bob Hope USO in active conflict environments.
Dedicated humanitarian volunteer, donating performances and support to orphaned children in Djibouti, the Fisher House Foundation for wounded military personnel, and Operation Gratitude.
Opened for legendary icons Frank Sinatra and pioneering jazz-fusion guitarist Al Di Meola; collaborated and performed in Europe alongside flamenco maestro Paco de Lucía.
Formally featured in the historic Guitar Encyclopedia (2004) published by esteemed musicologist Francisco Herrera.
Recordings, Collaborations and Discography
Major Label Album — Rhythm of Fire; Released under major label Columbia Records (Sony).
Orchestral Collaborations: Recorded original compositions side-by-side with master instrumentalists from the world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic and London Philharmonic Orchestras.
High-Profile Collaborations: Recorded with the legendary late Grammy-winning producer, arranger, pianist, and composer Bebu Silvetti (famed for his definitive work with Paul Anka, Plácido Domingo, and Luis Miguel).
Adagio over the Rainbow; A masterfully arranged classical track featuring Ludwig Quandt, Principal Cellist of the Berlin Philharmonic.
Echoes of Spain; A virtuoso acoustic guitar dialogue alongside legendary flamenco master José Antonio Rodríguez.
Independent Catalog: Released 5 critically acclaimed studio albums under independent labels Cesar Music Ltd and Marbella Ltd, including Hymn of Life, Virtuoso, and My Way.
Recent 2026 Singles: Expanded his globally-inspired acoustic catalog with the conceptual tracks such as Rio De Janeiro, New Orleans, and Savannah.
Global Sustainability Scientist • Urban Climate Researcher • Guitarist and Composer
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Distinguished international leader, scholar, and author with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of sustainability science, quantitative analysis, and urban climate resilience. Dr. Marolla bridges rigorous academic scholarship with field-tested expertise to solve complex systemic issues affecting today’s society. Throughout his career, he has brought innovative strategy concepts to bear on complex challenges, collaborating with prominent world leaders and international entities including the World Bank, the United Nations, Harvard University, and Columbia University.
As an educator, he designs and teaches advanced graduate curricula in climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban systems at Harvard University Division of Continuing Education and Nalanda University. As a researcher, he specializes in building frameworks and pragmatic policy solutions using risk management and Risk Mechanism Design (RMD) models to achieve social, economic, and environmental equity.
Complementing his scientific career, he is an internationally recognized guitarist and composer whose performances span five continents, whose recordings feature members of the Berlin and London Philharmonic Orchestras, and whose artistry has been recognized in the authoritative Guitar Encyclopedia (2004).
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Instructor — Division of Continuing Education | Harvard University — Cambridge, MA 2026 – Present
Taught advanced graduate course: ENVR E-241 (Section 1, CRN 17471) — Risk by Design: Building Resilience
into Urban Infrastructure.
Developed a holistic framework for advanced students and practitioners in urban planning, sustainability, public
health, and infrastructure management to understand and manage systemic risks in urban environments.
Pioneered instructions on Risk Mechanism Design (RMD), a strategic approach moving beyond traditional risk
management by applying mathematical modeling to measure risks and quantify potential impacts.
Guided students using real-world diagnostic tools, including the World Bank's climate resilience investment
framework and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)-Jameel Index for food trade vulnerability, to
evaluate shock propagation (e.g., wildfires, floods, supply chain disruptions, pandemics) through cities.
Analyzed adaptive, evidence-based infrastructure and policy responses using case studies from Los Angeles,
Mumbai, Lagos, and Mali to empower students to produce comprehensive strategic regional resilience plans.
Professor of Sustainable Urbanism and Development | Nalanda University — MBA Program Ongoing
Deliver graduate courses focused on climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster risk management, and sustainable
urban systems.
Integrate quantitative modeling, mechanism design theory, and practical policy solutions into the core
curriculum, directly connecting research to real-world policy and community applications.
Train future international leaders to co-design and implement effective, equitable climate change strategies with diverse public and private stakeholders.
Lead Author; Specialist — Climate Resilience Investment| World Bank Group Ongoing
Authored Enhancing the Climate Resilience of Infrastructure Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa in Urban Areas; serving as a comprehensive compendium for World Bank urban infrastructure initiatives.
Developed the Risk Mechanism Theory Index (RMTI)—a corrected mathematical framework for scoring, comparing, and reducing community risk—successfully applied to World Bank urban resilience case studies in Mali and Lagos.
Served as specialized expert consultant to Industrial Economics, Inc. on high-level World Bank resilience and environmental initiatives.
Quantitative Analyst & Urban Climate Researcher | Independent Research 20+ Years
Devote two decades to linking climate change science, global health, and urbanization models to optimize strategic decisions made by governments, global industries, and local communities.
Investigate how ICT, data analytics, and artificial intelligence optimize smart cities, stabilize renewable energy transitions, and mitigate global systemic risks.
Featured speaker at elite global forums including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 23), Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard Medical School, and the University of Miami Climate and Health Symposiums.
BOOKS AND KEY PUBLICATIONS
Marolla, C. (2016). Climate Health Risks in Megacities: The Urban Poor in the World's Megacities. Taylor and Francis. (Derived from extensive thesis research on vulnerable urban populations).
Marolla, C. (2018). Information and Communication Technology for Sustainable Development. Taylor and Francis. ★ Named one of the Best Sustainable Development Books of All Times by BookAuthority.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Computing, Engineering & Built Environment | Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK.
Doctoral Research supervised by Dr. Rohinton Emmanuel.
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (ALM), Sustainability and Environmental Management | Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.
Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Executive Education.
Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude) | Columbia College.
HONORS AND AWARDS
Harvard University Derek Bok Civic Prize Award (2013): Awarded for creative initiatives in community service, civic achievement, and a long-standing, dedicated record of public support.
U.S. Military Coin and Certificate of Appreciation: Presented by the U.S. Armed Forces in recognition of vital service, morale-building, and artistic support to American troops deployed during the Global War on Terror (GWOT) across the Middle East and Northeast Africa.
PARALLEL MUSICAL CAREER — GUITARIST AND COMPOSER
Dr. Marolla maintains an active, internationally acclaimed parallel career as a virtuoso guitarist and composer.
Coining his unique style, he seamlessly weaves classical precision, jazz-influenced soul, and world music elements including flamenco into a signature sonic language. His musical journey reflects the identical pursuit of excellence found in his scientific endeavors.
Performance and Humanitarian Highlights
Toured extensively throughout Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, commanding live concert audiences of up to 5,000.
Specially engaged by the U.S. Department of Defense to perform for overseas troops via Armed Forces Entertainment and the Bob Hope USO in active conflict environments.
Dedicated humanitarian volunteer, donating performances and support to orphaned children in Djibouti, the Fisher House Foundation for wounded military personnel, and Operation Gratitude.
Opened for legendary icons Frank Sinatra and pioneering jazz-fusion guitarist Al Di Meola; collaborated and performed in Europe alongside flamenco maestro Paco de Lucía.
Formally featured in the historic Guitar Encyclopedia (2004) published by esteemed musicologist Francisco Herrera.
Recordings, Collaborations and Discography
Major Label Album — Rhythm of Fire; Released under major label Columbia Records (Sony).
Orchestral Collaborations: Recorded original compositions side-by-side with master instrumentalists from the world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic and London Philharmonic Orchestras.
High-Profile Collaborations: Recorded with the legendary late Grammy-winning producer, arranger, pianist, and composer Bebu Silvetti (famed for his definitive work with Paul Anka, Plácido Domingo, and Luis Miguel).
Adagio over the Rainbow; A masterfully arranged classical track featuring Ludwig Quandt, Principal Cellist of the Berlin Philharmonic.
Echoes of Spain; A virtuoso acoustic guitar dialogue alongside legendary flamenco master José Antonio Rodríguez.
Independent Catalog: Released 5 critically acclaimed studio albums under independent labels Cesar Music Ltd and Marbella Ltd, including Hymn of Life, Virtuoso, and My Way.
Recent 2026 Singles: Expanded his globally-inspired acoustic catalog with the conceptual tracks such as Rio De Janeiro, New Orleans, and Savannah.