Email: mdiaz-wionczek@hostos.cuny.edu
Office Tel:

Biography 

Mariana D铆az-Wionczek, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department at 午夜剧场, CUNY. She earned her bachelor's degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and her doctorate from the CUNY Graduate Center. She specializes in developmental psychology and the intersection of media, technology, and education. Dr. Diaz has extensive experience in the educational media industry, having served as the Head of Education and Research for Dora the Explorer and as an advisor for PBS Kids and Sesame Workshop. She has contributed to multiple projects that integrate psychological principles into educational media and served as the Executive Producer for the Emmy-nominated animated series Rosie’s Rules. Her research and professional work focus on cognitive and socio-emotional development in children, the role of media in learning, and authentic representation in children's content. She actively explores ways in which technology, including AI, can enhance education and support cognitive skills such as executive function and social-emotional learning. Additionally, she has been a guest lecturer at various institutions, sharing her expertise in psychology, media, and child development, with a focus on research-driven content creation and inclusive storytelling.

Courses Taught

  • PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
  • PSY 110 Lifespan Development
  • PSY 120 Child Development 
  • PSY 180 Psychology of Aging