Michael Preston is the Executive Director of the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop, a research and innovation lab focused on children’s learning and wellbeing in the digital age. The Cooney Center conducts research on emerging education technologies and collaborates across sectors to put research into action. Prior to joining Sesame Workshop, Michael’s work focused on using technology to improve teaching and learning, drive student agency and interest, and create models for systemic change in K-12 and university contexts. He is a co-founder of CSforALL, the hub for the national Computer Science for All movement. He designed and led digital learning initiatives at the NYC Department of Education and at Columbia University’s Center for Teaching and Learning. He earned a PhD from Teachers College, Columbia University and a BA from Harvard University.