Carlos Mauricio Castano Diaz

Carlos Mauricio Castano Diaz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture and Media Technology at Aalborg University's Faculty of IT and Design, Campus Copenhagen. A licensed Psychologist with a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences, he brings twelve years of research expertise in Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Sciences, and Media Psychology, focusing on video games' cognitive impacts, stealth assessment methodologies, and internet culture phenomena.

His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (2017), an MA in Cognition and Communication from the University of Copenhagen (2012), and a Psychology degree from Universidad de Antioquia (2010). He completed postdoctoral research in Games for Stealth Assessment at Aarhus University (2020).

Castano Diaz's research centers on media psychology and cognitive science, investigating how commercial video games foster scientific reasoning and cognitive development. His interdisciplinary work bridges game design, computer science, and psychology to explore stealth assessment techniques, internet memes, mental health during crises like COVID-19, and games as artistic expression. He examines psychological principles of design, multimedia learning, and ethical implications of digital media, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).

His publication trends reveal strong emphasis on game-based cognitive assessment in real-world contexts, mental health impacts of digital media during isolation, and socially conscious game design. Recent work demonstrates innovative applications of multiplayer games for scientific reasoning assessment and LGBTQ+ awareness initiatives, with growing focus on ecological validity and citizen science approaches.

His scientific recognition includes a 2024 Best Paper Award, Cum Laude PhD distinction (2017), Outstanding Achievement in the Elite Network of Bavaria (2017), and prestigious Danish government scholarships.

Castano Diaz leads the ongoing project 'Cosiness and Wholesomeness: A Psychological Perspective Through Games' and co-leads the AGAVE research initiative, while previously consulting on 'Stop! My Body!'. His teaching integrates multimedia-based learning, problem-based learning, and humor through methods like the ARIPE framework and Munich-method-box. He serves on IEEE and ACM SIGGRAPH committees, maintaining active collaborations across 48 countries as reflected in global pandemic research.

His Media Technology research section at Aalborg University focuses on creating technology that enhances well-being among children and young people in Denmark, operating within the university's mission-driven framework for socially impactful innovation.