Sylvia trained in sociology and social research in Germany, France and the UK. She has a particular interest in children and young people in Latin America including structures for childcare and protection in their respective historic, economic and socio-cultural context. She has conducted extensive empirical research in the Mexican-American border zone which contributes to the themes of children and borders, care work and foreign aid. Sylvia has served as an election observer in Mexican presidential elections and acted as an advisor to the Mexican ministry of public education.

Sylvia teaches childhood and youth studies and international development at The Open University and is a Senior Fellow of the British Higher Education Academy.