OUR TEAM
DigitalAgePsychology is a research-informed educational platform focused on the human side of technological change. We examine how AI and digital environments affect well-being, learning, judgment, communication, relationships, development, daily life, and translate those insights into useful, accessible guidance.
Our work reflects the view that technology is neither simply harmful nor automatically beneficial. Its effects depend on design, context, developmental stage, access, habits, relationships, human judgment, and the boundaries people and organizations create around its use.
Richard Evangelista, Ph.D.
Website Manager, Editorial Lead, and Consultant
Richard Evangelista, Ph.D., has more than 40 years of experience in clinical and research psychology, including the study of generative technology, adapting to advancements personally and in the workplace. He brings a dual lens perspective to DigitalAgePsychology, combining decades of direct clinical experience with senior leadership experience in information management for New York State. By connecting human behavior, clinical practice, and technical system design, Dr. Evangelista offers an informed perspective on AI driven change in mental health and human/technology interaction.
As the website’s editorial lead and consultant, Dr. Evangelista guides the publication calendar, maintains the topic framework, curates and synthesizes emerging research, reviews sources, and edits content for consistency, accessibility, and relevance.
He examines how digital technologies and AI influence psychological and educational outcomes, and helps shape guidance for clinicians, educators, parents, students, professionals, and organizations. He may participate in research, educational, and consultation activities as appropriate.
How Richard can assist
Richard can assist with research synthesis, editorial direction, psychologically informed consultation, responsible AI frameworks, educational presentations, content development, and questions about how emerging technologies affect human judgment, well-being, communication, and practice.
Jolene Abran, LMSW
Youth, Family, and Social-Emotional Development Perspective
Jolene Abran, LMSW, is a New York State Licensed Master Social Worker and graduate of the Adelphi University School of Social Work. She has more than a decade of social-work experience supporting children, adolescents, and parents. Her professional interests include social-emotional skill building, executive function development, communication strategies, and helping families promote responsible and healthy digital interactions.
Her approach emphasizes the foundational skills that support emotional wellness, independence, healthy relationships, and overall well-being. She is particularly attentive to the ways technology can intersect with anxiety, school related stress, family routines, social media use, gaming, communication, and developmental transitions.
Her perspective helps DigitalAgePsychology address both the practical realities families face and the strengths they can build together.
How Jolene can assist
Jolene, as a Licensed Master Social Worker, can contribute to content and consultation involving youth, families, social-emotional development, executive functioning, communication, healthy digital habits, family technology boundaries, and school-related concerns. Jolene may be contacted regarding therapy and supportive services for children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Alex J. Evangelista, Ed.D.
Education, Learning, and Digital Environments
Alex J. Evangelista, Ed.D., is an educator and health education specialist with more than 15 years of experience working with students in secondary and higher education. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and serves as a professor in the Health Studies Department at Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY).
His areas of expertise include education, health and wellness, student development, college and career readiness, and the use of artificial intelligence and digital tools to support learning. Throughout his career, Dr. Evangelista has taught and mentored students from diverse backgrounds while helping them develop academic, professional, and career goals. He also works with high-school students as they explore career interests, educational pathways, college options, and the transition into adulthood.
His research and professional work focus on student engagement, collaborative learning, critical thinking, online education, and the evolving role of AI in education. Through DigitalAgePsychology, he brings an educational and health focused perspective to understanding how technology and AI are shaping learning, career development, student wellbeing, and preparation for an increasingly digital world.
How Alex can assist
Alex contributes to articles, consultation, training, and educational resources concerning AI-supported learning, student engagement, digital literacy, academic integrity, health and wellness, college and career readiness, classroom technology, and transitions from high school to college and work.