Associate Professor
University of Puerto Rico- Mayaguez Campus
State: PR
(w) (787) 996-2109
About
Dr. Janitza Saavedra-Lugo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Education at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. She holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching, as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Education. Her expertise includes curriculum development, youth mentorship, educational leadership, and professional development for educators.
Dr. Saavedra-Lugo has held multiple roles in agricultural education, including teaching, supervision, and FFA program coordination. Her research focuses on teacher development, student recruitment and retention in agricultural sciences, and workforce preparation. With over 20 years of experience in K–12 and postsecondary education, she has developed initiatives that strengthen agricultural education across Puerto Rico. She currently leads outreach programs connecting students with careers in food, agriculture, and natural resources, emphasizing early exposure, mentoring, and academic support to boost recruitment and retention in agricultural science programs.
Projects
| EDS25-080 | Developing Learning Communities of Farmers and Educators to Promote Root and Tuber Crops Cultivation in Response to Food Security and Climate Change |