معرفی
Joana P. Cruz is a researcher at the Center for Research and Intervention in Education (CIIE) within the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the University of Porto, Portugal. She holds a PhD in Educational Sciences (2020) and an Integrated Master's Degree in Psychology (2011), both from the University of Porto. Her academic work integrates ecological activism, art, and Theater of the Oppressed methodology to foster civic and political engagement among youth, with a focus on transformative social change.
Her educational background includes:
- PhD in Educational Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto (2020)
- Integrated Master's Degree in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto (2011)
Joana's research interests span Political participation, Active citizenship, Participatory research methodologies, and Theater of the Oppressed. She explores how artistic practices, particularly Theater of the Oppressed, can serve as tools for critical reflection and social transformation. Her work often addresses ecological activism, gender dynamics, and the role of affect in sustaining environmental movements. By combining academic research with community-based interventions, she aims to bridge theory and practice in education and social change.
Her recent publications reveal a strong trend towards interdisciplinary research merging education, theater, and social sciences. Key themes include Theater of the Oppressed applications in climate justice and gender equality, artistic methods in research, and youth engagement in societal issues. The work consistently emphasizes participatory approaches and collective action's transformative potential.
Scientific recognition:
- PhD Scholarship from the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), reference PD/BD/114282/2016
As an educator, Cruz mentors master's theses at Porto School of Education and the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, teaching courses on Action Research in Education and Artistic Projects. She has secured research funding through European projects including ClimActiC (climate adaptation), CATCH-EyoU (youth citizenship), and PODER (power dynamics in education). She currently contributes to the "Building Participatory Democracy" project studying Porto's grassroots associations.
She co-founded the Talking Turtle Association and co-created the Theater and Politics Laboratory with the Institute of Sociology at the University of Porto. Cruz actively participates in the Community of Research Practices (CoPIn) within Participation, Communities, and Political Education (PCEP) at CIIE-UP, facilitating Theater of the Oppressed workshops for community empowerment.