D r .   S t e p h a n i e   L .   D i e z
Ph.D., LCSW, IGDC, BACC

Dr. Stephanie L. Diez

Ph.D., LCSW, IGDC, BACC

I am a passionate educator
focused on finding health through balanced living.

ABOUT MY CAREER
I’m an academic researcher and educator dedicated to understanding the intersections of technology, health, and human behavior. As Associate Professor and MSW Program Director, my work bridges teaching, scholarship, and service. I am committed to advancing knowledge and supporting students and professionals in the evolving fields of social work and behavioral health.

EXPERIENCE

My academic and professional journey reflects years of teaching, research, and leadership. I have authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and presented internationally on issues such as internet gaming disorder, behavioral addictions, and adolescent mental health. This extensive background allows me to bring both scholarly rigor and applied expertise to my work.

AUTONOMY

I approach my research and teaching with independence and initiative, while also fostering collaboration with colleagues and students. My ability to lead projects, secure partnerships, and develop innovative approaches to behavioral health challenges has been a consistent strength throughout my career.

INVOLVMENT

Beyond the classroom, I am actively engaged in professional organizations, conferences, and community initiatives. From keynote presentations to nonprofit leadership, my involvement reflects a dedication to advancing conversations around technology use, health, and social well-being.

EXPERIENCE & STUDIES

2008 – 2009

Undergraduate Studies

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

2011 – 2013

Master of Social Work (MSW)

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

2015 – 2019

Ph.D. in Social Welfare

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

2019 – Present

Faculty Appointment

PennWest UNIVERSITY (formerly EDINBORO UNIVERSITY)

2013 – Present

Founder

REBOOT & RECOVER

Pursued studies in psychology, anthropology, and sociology, laying a multidisciplinary foundation for future research in social work and behavioral health.

Completed graduate training in social work, developing expertise in clinical practice, social welfare policy, and applied research methods.

Focused doctoral research on technology use behaviors, internet gaming disorder, and behavioral health disparities, with an emphasis on adolescent and adult mental health.

Joined the faculty as Assistant Professor, advancing to Associate Professor and Program Director of the Master of Social Work program.

Established a nonprofit dedicated to promoting balanced living and mental wellness in a technology-driven world.

LATEST PROJECTS
These are my latest projects, where I've applied my expertise to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions.
EXPERTISE & SKILLS
I bring expertise in social work education, behavioral health research, and the study of technology use and its impacts on well-being. My work blends teaching, scholarship, and service to address today’s most pressing challenges in mental health and social welfare.
80 %
LEVEL ADVANCED
EXPERIENCE 10 YEARS

My research explores the intersections of technology, health, and behavior — with a particular emphasis on internet gaming disorder, problematic internet use, and adolescent mental health. I have published extensively on behavioral addictions and health disparities.

70 %
LEVEL ADVANCED
EXPERIENCE 7 YEARS

As Associate Professor and MSW Program Director, I guide graduate and undergraduate students through coursework, research, and professional development. My teaching emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and preparing social workers for today’s digital and global context.

95 %
LEVEL ADVANCED
EXPERIENCE 10 YEARS

Outside of scholastics, I contribute to professional organizations, keynote conferences, and community initiatives. I am also founder of Reboot & Recover, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting balance and wellness in technology-driven lives.

ACADEMIC LIFE

MY PUBLICATIONS

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership

VANCOUVER - CANADA

As the demands on leaders continue to evolve in the complex and dynamic landscape of the 21st century, this publication explores the profound impact of emotional intelligence..
Book

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership

VANCOUVER - CANADA

As the demands on leaders continue to evolve in the complex and dynamic landscape of the 21st century, this publication explores the profound impact of emotional intelligence..
Book

Technology and Workplace Communication

VANCOUVER - CANADA

In today's fast-paced and interconnected business landscape, effective communication is paramount for organizational success. This publication explores the dynamic relationship ..
Book Selected

Technology and Workplace Communication

VANCOUVER - CANADA

In today's fast-paced and interconnected business landscape, effective communication is paramount for organizational success. This publication explores the dynamic relationship ..
Book Selected

Parental Involvement and Academic Success

VANCOUVER - CANADA

This publication investigates the multifaceted relationship between parental involvement and the academic success of students. Grounded in empirical research and educational theories..
Book Chapters Selected

Early Childhood Education and Development

VANCOUVER - CANADA

This comprehensive research publication explores the pivotal role of early childhood education (ECE) in fostering the holistic development of young learners. Grounded in developmental psychology..
Book Chapters

Parental Involvement and Academic Success

VANCOUVER - CANADA

This publication investigates the multifaceted relationship between parental involvement and the academic success of students. Grounded in empirical research and educational theories..
Book Chapters Selected

Early Childhood Education and Development

VANCOUVER - CANADA

This comprehensive research publication explores the pivotal role of early childhood education (ECE) in fostering the holistic development of young learners. Grounded in developmental psychology..
Book Chapters

Parental Involvement and Academic Success

VANCOUVER - CANADA

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Conferences Selected

Parental Involvement and Academic Success

VANCOUVER - CANADA

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Conferences Selected

Early Childhood Education and Development

VANCOUVER - CANADA

This comprehensive research publication explores the pivotal role of early childhood education (ECE) in fostering the holistic development of young learners. Grounded in developmental psychology..
Demonstrations

Early Childhood Education and Development

VANCOUVER - CANADA

This comprehensive research publication explores the pivotal role of early childhood education (ECE) in fostering the holistic development of young learners. Grounded in developmental psychology..
Demonstrations

Parental Involvement and Academic Success

VANCOUVER - CANADA

This publication investigates the multifaceted relationship between parental involvement and the academic success of students. Grounded in empirical research and educational theories..
Demonstrations Selected

Parental Involvement and Academic Success

VANCOUVER - CANADA

This publication investigates the multifaceted relationship between parental involvement and the academic success of students. Grounded in empirical research and educational theories..
Demonstrations Selected

Career Satisfaction and Burnout among Teachers

VANCOUVER - CANADA

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Journal Paper

Career Satisfaction and Burnout among Teachers

VANCOUVER - CANADA

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Journal Paper

Exercise and Mental Health in Adolescents

VANCOUVER - CANADA

This research publication investigates the dynamic relationship between physical exercise and mental health outcomes in adolescents. Grounded in psychological theories, empirical research..
Theses Selected

Early Childhood Education and Development

VANCOUVER - CANADA

This comprehensive research publication explores the pivotal role of early childhood education (ECE) in fostering the holistic development of young learners. Grounded in developmental psychology..
Theses

Exercise and Mental Health in Adolescents

VANCOUVER - CANADA

This research publication investigates the dynamic relationship between physical exercise and mental health outcomes in adolescents. Grounded in psychological theories, empirical research..
Theses Selected

Early Childhood Education and Development

VANCOUVER - CANADA

This comprehensive research publication explores the pivotal role of early childhood education (ECE) in fostering the holistic development of young learners. Grounded in developmental psychology..
Theses
RESEARCH PAPERS
Explore my reearch papers, where each entry reflects my dedication to in-depth research and a profound passion for knowledge
JUNE 2007

Designing and testing an intelligent virtual assistant to aid in customer service interactions.

In the realm of customer service, our research papers delve into the creation and testing of an intelligent virtual assistant. The initial phase illuminates the meticulous design process, integrating advanced algorithms and user-centric principles. This user interface-focused exploration ensures not only technological sophistication but also a seamless and satisfying interaction for end-users.

Moving forward, our papers unveil the rigorous testing procedures applied to evaluate the virtual assistant's efficacy and reliability. From simulated scenarios to real-world applications, this research offers a comprehensive perspective on the transformative potential of intelligent virtual assistants in revolutionizing and elevating customer service experiences.

MARCH 2009

The role of technology in education and its effects on student learning outcomes

Within the educational landscape, our research endeavors to unravel the multifaceted role of technology in shaping modern learning experiences. The first segment scrutinizes the integration of technology in educational settings, examining its influence on pedagogical approaches and classroom dynamics. By exploring the synergies between traditional teaching methods and technological innovations, we aim to shed light on the evolving nature of education in the digital age.

Transitioning to the second phase, our research meticulously assesses the impact of technology on student learning outcomes. Through comprehensive analysis and empirical studies, we aim to delineate the nuanced effects technology has on cognitive development, academic achievement, and overall educational attainment. Join us in this exploration of how technology is not merely a tool but a transformative force, redefining the very essence of learning and paving the way for a technologically enriched educational future.

JANUARY 2010

Exploring the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in fraud detection and prevention.

Embark on a journey through the intricate landscape of fraud detection and prevention with our research papers, as we delve into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The first segment scrutinizes the foundational principles of AI and machine learning algorithms, revealing their capacity to discern patterns and anomalies within vast datasets. Unveiling the synergistic alliance between technology and the fight against fraud, our exploration underscores the dynamic capabilities that AI brings to the forefront of security strategies.

As we navigate deeper into the realm of fraud prevention, the subsequent papers unravel the practical applications of AI and machine learning in real-world scenarios. From adaptive fraud models to predictive analytics, our research showcases the efficacy of these technologies in staying one step ahead of evolving fraudulent tactics. Join us in deciphering how AI and machine learning stand as powerful allies in the ongoing battle against fraud, reshaping the landscape of security protocols with their proactive and adaptive capabilities.

LABORATORY TEAM

JOHN DOE

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

JENNIFER DOE

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

JOHNATAN DOE

RESEARCH FELLOW