Mariana De MaioView profile
Associate Professor
Mariana De Maio serves as Associate Professor in Lehigh University's Department of Journalism and Communication and Director of the Latin American and Latinx Studies program. Her academic leadership bridges interdisciplinary research in global journalism practices and Latin American media systems. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Florida (2015) M.A. in Journalism/Broadcast track from the University of Missouri (2008) Combined B.A. and M.A. in Communications (Journalism emphasis) from Universidad de Buenos Aires (1999) De Maio's research examines media influence on political behavior , digital activism , and representations of underrepresented groups , with geographic focus on Latin America. As a core member of the Journalistic Futures , Worlds of Journalism Study , and Journalistic Role Performance Project networks, she conducts comparative analyses across 37+ countries. Her work critically explores how political economies shape journalistic practices and democratic resilience. Recent publications (2019-2025) reveal three dominant trajectories: cross-platform journalistic role performance (comparing digital/legacy media), social movement coverage (e.g., #NiUnaMenos, #DefendDACA), and Latin American media systems (Argentina, Cuba, Paraguay). Methodologically, she employs mixed-method comparative designs with international collaborator teams. Dr. De Maio's professional journey spans frontline journalism in Argentina (radio/TV/print), communications roles at Catholic Relief Services and American Red Cross, and founding a Spanish-language publication for Gannett. This practitioner perspective informs her teaching of courses like Latinx and Latin American Media and Journalism and Democracy . She currently leads collaborative research on post-pandemic journalistic adaptations and gender representation in global newsrooms.











