Ruha Benjamin

Ruha Benjamin, Databite 124, 2019 (cropped)

Ruha Benjamin is an American sociologist and professor known for her work in the fields of race, technology, and inequality. She is a professor in the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University and is widely recognized for her contributions to the understanding of how science, technology, and medicine intersect with issues of race and social justice.

Early Life and Education

Ruha Benjamin was born in India and raised in the United States. She completed her undergraduate studies at Spelman College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Anthropology. She then went on to earn her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley.

Academic Career

Benjamin began her academic career as a faculty member at Boston University before joining the faculty at Princeton University. Her research focuses on the social dimensions of science, technology, and medicine, with a particular emphasis on how these fields can perpetuate or challenge racial inequalities.

Research and Publications

Ruha Benjamin is the author of several influential books and articles. Her first book, People's Science: Bodies and Rights on the Stem Cell Frontier, examines the ethical and social implications of stem cell research. Her second book, Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code, explores how emerging technologies can reinforce racial biases and inequalities.

In addition to her books, Benjamin has published numerous articles in academic journals and edited volumes. Her work has been widely cited and has had a significant impact on the fields of sociology, science and technology studies, and African American studies.

Awards and Honors

Ruha Benjamin has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the President's Award for Distinguished Teaching at Princeton University and the Andrew Carnegie Fellowship. She is also a sought-after speaker and has delivered keynote addresses at conferences and universities around the world.

Activism and Public Engagement

In addition to her academic work, Benjamin is actively involved in public engagement and activism. She is a founding member of the Just Data Lab, an initiative that aims to harness the power of data for social justice. She is also a frequent commentator on issues related to race, technology, and inequality in the media.

Selected Works

• People's Science: Bodies and Rights on the Stem Cell Frontier
• Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code

See Also

• Sociology
• African American Studies
• Science and Technology Studies
• Princeton University