Matthew Farber

Matthew Farber, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor of Educational Technology at the University of Northern Colorado, affiliated with the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the School of Teacher Education. He co-directs the Gaming SEL Lab, focusing on how games foster empathy, compassion, and ethical decision-making through play and design.

Education:

• Ed.D., New Jersey City University (2016)
• M.A., Educational Technology, New Jersey City University (2010)
• B.A., Educational Technology, State University of New York at Albany (1993)

His research bridges gaming and social-emotional learning (SEL), exploring games as multimodal literacy tools that cultivate perspective-taking, collaboration, and virtual empathy. Collaborations with UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) align with SDG 4.7 objectives.

The 15 most recent publications span 2025-2021, focusing on esports for SEL, digital pedagogy, and game-based literacy. These works emphasize empathy, narrative-driven education, and sustainable learning frameworks.

Scientific Awards:

• 2022 College Research Scholar Award
• 2019 Best Conference Paper in Game Jams
• 2016 HistoryQuest Fellow
• 2016 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator
• 2014 Trailblazer Award
• 2012 New Jersey Higher Education Nominee
• Geraldine R. Dodge Educator Fellow

Dr. Farber co-developed Walden, a game-based curriculum with Tracy Fullerton, and has consulted for UNESCO, iThrive Games, and Games for Change. His lab, Gaming SEL Lab, investigates game design's impact on youth empowerment.