Elaine Pimentel, a university professor in Brazil, has devoted nearly thirty years to using academic research as a means to effect tangible improvements within the prison system of Alagoas. Her research particularly addresses the challenges faced by incarcerated women and the transition from incarceration to freedom. Additionally, Pimentel has been actively involved in initiatives that led to the closure of the state's judicial asylum, demonstrating her commitment to reform and social justice.

An alumna of the Federal University of Alagoas, where she also obtained her master's and doctoral degrees in Sociology, Pimentel has embraced research as her primary field of work. She described her journey as one of self-discovery within the realm of knowledge production, community engagement, and extension projects. In interviews, she emphasizes the reciprocal relationship she has developed with the community, enriching her research with real-world implications and feedback.

As the director of the Law Faculty at the Federal University of Alagoas, Pimentel continues to influence both academic and social landscapes, advocating for women's rights within the prison system and challenging structural injustices. Her work not only highlights the importance of academic research in driving systemic change but also serves as a model for how educational institutions can contribute to societal progress, particularly in areas as complex and neglected as prison reform.