Dr. José René Maldonado Yáñez holds a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Communication Design from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), a Master's degree in Creativity for Design from the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL), and a Ph.D. in Educational Technology from Centro Universitario Mar de Cortés. He is currently an Associate Professor at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco Campus, where he is a holder of the Mexican PRODEP Academic Profile recognition. He received a Special Distinction for his doctoral dissertation defense.

His academic work focuses on educational technology, student-centered learning methodologies, creativity for design, and design analysis and foresight. His research has centered on the development and implementation of active learning methodologies for design education, particularly Project-Based Learning (PBL), as well as on strengthening the relationship between educational technology and teaching-learning processes in higher education. His work also promotes interdisciplinary approaches to the development of comprehensive design projects. Among his principal research projects are Project-Based Learning as an Active Methodology for Competency Development in Higher Education in Graphic Communication Design and The Concept of Fantasy for Teaching the Iconic Sign in Higher Education in Graphic Communication Design.

He has actively contributed to academic governance as an elected Faculty Representative to the Divisional Academic Council of the Division of Sciences and Arts for Design at UAM Azcapotzalco during the 2019–2021 and 2025–2027 terms. He is also a member of the Academic Area of Design Analysis and Foresight. His academic activities include serving as a peer reviewer for scientific journals, supervising undergraduate capstone projects and graduate research, and serving as an examiner on master's degree committees.

In the field of scholarly publishing, he played a key role in the indexing process of the research journal Taller Servicio 24 Horas. He also contributed to its editorial design, the implementation and management of its digital publishing platform, and the strengthening of its editorial processes. This experience has enabled him to develop expertise in the creation, management, and consolidation of indexed academic publications.

His scholarly output includes book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, and presentations at national and international conferences. His academic work seeks to advance design research and education through educational innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of active learning methodologies that prepare future design professionals to address contemporary challenges.