Santo Domingo.– The Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) awarded this Friday the title of Honorary Professor of the Faculty of Humanities to the Dominican archaeologist, lawyer, and diplomat Kathleen Martínez, in recognition of her contributions to historical research and her leadership at the head of the Dominican-Egyptian archaeological mission that is searching for the tomb of Cleopatra and Mark Antony in Egypt.
The ceremony was led by the rector of the state academy, Master Editrudis Beltrán Crisóstomo, in the University Council Hall, with the presence of academic authorities, family members of the honoree, special guests, and media representatives.
During the event, Beltrán Crisóstomo highlighted the perseverance, scientific rigor, and determination of Martínez, who leads the Dominican-Egyptian Archaeological Mission that is conducting excavations at the Taposiris Magna temple, located near Alexandria.
The rector reported that the recognition was approved through Resolution 2026-007 of the University Council, adopted during the session held on March 26 of this year, accepting a previous resolution issued by the Board of Directors of the Faculty of Humanities on January 22.
“Dr. Kathleen Martínez embodies the spirit and determination of the Dominican people. A people of individuals who place no limits on their dreams and make them a reality for the pride of a country located in the very path of the sun,” expressed Beltrán Crisóstomo.
Likewise, he highlighted that the researcher has demonstrated that science and Egyptology can be developed with excellence from the Dominican Republic, while also valuing her ability to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers to obtain an excavation license granted by the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt.
The expedition led by Martínez constitutes the first archaeological mission headed by the Dominican Republic. Its investigations in Taposiris Magna have allowed for important archaeological discoveries, including tunnels, mummies, coins, statues, submerged structures, and other evidence that have captured the attention of the international scientific community.
Beltrán Crisóstomo expressed his confidence that the experience accumulated by the archaeologist could lead her to the discovery she has been pursuing for years.
“May your determination, your knowledge, and your already proven experience in the wonderful universe of archaeology lead you to achieve that long-awaited discovery. A success that will fill you, the Dominican Republic, and the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo with pride,” he stated.
“It is one of the most significant moments of my life”
Upon thanking for the distinction, Kathleen Martínez expressed that the recognition constitutes one of the most important moments of her professional career and reaffirms her commitment to scientific research.
“This honor transcends me; it is a recognition of years of teamwork, rigorous scientific research, and a love for science and knowledge,” he stated.
The archaeologist also highlighted the historical and academic role of the UASD as an institution dedicated to training professionals committed to national development.
“The UASD is not only the First of the Americas; it is the home where critical professionals are formed at the service of the nation,” he/she expressed.
Martínez stated that the search for Cleopatra’s tomb has been guided by the conviction that science advances thanks to those who challenge established theories and persevere in the face of uncertainty. In that sense, she urged students and young researchers to defend their ideas with discipline, study, and passion.
Recognition of a multidisciplinary career
When presenting the biography of the honoree, the dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Dr. Gerardo Roa Ogando, pointed out that the university reserves the title of Honorary Professor for personalities who represent the fundamental values of the institution.
He indicated that Kathleen Martínez symbolizes scientific rigor, interdisciplinary research, commitment to the country, and perseverance in the face of challenges.
“Their trajectory demonstrates that knowledge, discipline, and conviction can open paths that seemed impossible,” they maintained.
Roa Ogando also highlighted that the researcher has managed to integrate disciplines such as law, history, archaeology, diplomacy, and scientific communication into a single project, projecting Dominican talent on international stages and consolidating her findings as part of a national effort.
The activity was attended by the Vice-Rector of Extension, Rosalía Sosa; the Director of the School of History and Anthropology, Teodoro Eugenio Viola Parra; the Secretary General of the UASD, Pablo Valdez Martínez; the Director of Cooperation and National and International Relations, Antonio Medina; as well as members of the Board of Directors of the Faculty of Humanities and other university authorities.
With this distinction, Kathleen Martínez becomes part of the honorary faculty of the Primada de América, in recognition of a scientific career that has contributed to projecting the name of the Dominican Republic in the international field of archaeology.
