معرفی
Dr. Dane Marco Di Cesare is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Studies within the Faculty of Education at Brock University. His academic focus spans exceptional education, multimodality, digital technologies, and literacy and multiliteracies. With extensive P-12 classroom teaching experience from pre-school to middle and high school, Dr. Di Cesare brings practical educational expertise to his university-level teaching in exceptional education, research methods, and early childhood literacy, consistently emphasizing equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization across all courses.
- PhD in Special Education with a focus on Digital Technologies (2015), University at Buffalo
Dr. Di Cesare's research takes an intersectional approach, examining how youth with complex identities, particularly 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, engage with digital technology and media literacies. His work spans critical areas including 2SLGBTQ+ mental health and wellbeing, gender equity in early childhood education, support systems for early years families navigating educational systems, and the application of digital technologies in inclusive educational settings. As Principal Investigator for the LEVEL UP! research project, he investigates gaming experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ youth, exploring how representation (or lack thereof) in video games influences identity development and wellbeing.
Analysis of Dr. Di Cesare's scholarly publications reveals a consistent trajectory connecting educational technology with inclusive practices. His work demonstrates growing emphasis on LGBTQ+ issues in education, particularly through his leadership in gaming-related research. The publications consistently address how digital tools can support diverse learners while maintaining a strong focus on equity and inclusion across educational contexts.
Dr. Di Cesare maintains significant professional leadership roles that complement his research interests. As Canada Regional Network Chair for the International Partnership for Queer Youth Resilience, he contributes to a multilingual research initiative focused on supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth through technology-engaged research. Additionally, he serves as President of the NYS Council for Exceptional Children, Chapter 402, demonstrating his commitment to special education advocacy.
His LEVEL UP! research project has received multi-institutional ethics approval from Brock University (21-019), the University of Toronto (00041573), and the Mexico Faculty of Medicine Ethics Committee (FM/D1/050/SR/2022), indicating substantial research funding and collaborative capacity. The project features LEVEL UP! Champions - video game streamers who support recruitment efforts and work toward creating safer online gaming communities for LGBTQ+ youth.
Dr. Di Cesare leads a research team comprising Co-Principal Investigator Shelley Craig, Graphic Design Coordinator Oveesh Mian, and Co-Chair Kaitrin Doll. His teaching portfolio includes multiple courses related to exceptional education and early childhood literacy, demonstrating his commitment to preparing future educators in inclusive practices.
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