Sara Benítez, M.A.  

Full Professor

Department Social Sciences

Office Phone: 787-850-0000 ext. 9303

E-mail: si_benitez@uprh.edu

Personal web page: http://www1.uprh.edu/sabe

Sara Benítez is a sociologist and teaches courses on research methods, social theory and social sciences at the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao.  She developed most of the participatory action research courses for the Experimental Baccalaureate Degree in Social Action Research.  Currently she is engaged in research on domestic violence and social support.  She is also involved in the Community Organization and Participatory Research in the Caribbean Network's research project in systematizing community-based participation.  She has extensive experience coordinating research networks.  For three years, she coordinated a Puerto Rican university women's research network on gender issue.  In addition, she was the Coordinator of Atlantea, a UPR research exchange program between UPR faculty and their peers in the Caribbean.  As the Atlantea's coordinator, she oversaw 21 research networks, at least 25 short-term research exchange programs, and an administrative and communication web site.  She has provided leadership to university projects in curriculum development, strategic planning; self-studies for re-accreditation agencies.  She is a member of the University Senate, was chair of the Social Science Department, a member of the Administrative Board and Director of the Office Planning and Development.  She is a feminist activist with extensive experience in gender issues and co-coordinates the first UPR Violence Against Women Prevention Program (PPVM).