Maryanne Diaz

  • M.S. University of California, Irvine (Social Ecology)

  • M.S. California State University, Long Beach (Criminology and Criminal Justice)

  • B.S. California State University, Long Beach (Criminology and Criminal Justice)

Maryanne Diaz' areas of expertise are concentrated in drug use and policy, homelessness, and policing. Her research has an interdisciplinary focus that draws upon criminology and sociology to examine drug use and the intersection of homelessness and policing within drug using communities. Having spent years working directly with individuals who use drugs at a harm reduction agency in Skid Row, Professor Diaz emphasizes the importance of advocating for marginalized groups through her work and collaborates with both local and international harm reduction agencies.

In the classroom, Professor Diaz strives to create a student-centered and inclusive learning environment. Employing critical pedagogy, Professor Diaz challenges her students to fully examine an array of issues and become their own agents of change. Through mentorship and teaching, Professor Diaz supports both undergraduate and graduate students to reach their educational and professional goals. At CSULB, Professor Diaz is an active member of the Critical Justice Committee which strives to improve diversity and equity within the department of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management.
Maryanne Diaz also consults with several harm reduction agencies providing staff training and support in the areas of harm reduction, safe drug use, and working with drug using populations.

  • Drug Use and Policy
  • Harm Reduction
  • Homelessness
  • Policing
  • Social Justice