Dana Riger

Dana Riger, Ph.D., is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, affiliated with the UNC School of Education’s Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) department and the School Counseling program. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Development (with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy) from Virginia Tech, an M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy from Hofstra University, and a B.A. in Gender Studies from Indiana University.

Her research focuses on technology’s role in couples and family dynamics, including teletherapy, online dating behaviors, and stigma-related challenges in digital spaces. She actively bridges clinical expertise with academic teaching, emphasizing practical applications for students in therapy and counseling. Riger also serves as the Faculty Fellow for Generative AI at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Center for Faculty Excellence, integrating innovative technologies into educational and therapeutic contexts.

Her publications highlight trends such as teletherapy’s efficacy during the pandemic, stigma in online dating narratives, and technology-driven interventions in couple relationships. While her awards section is not detailed here, her CV may include additional accolades. She teaches in HDFS and School Counseling programs, leveraging her background in anti-money laundering consulting and prior MFT program teaching roles. Riger’s work also involves lab collaborations through her AI-focused fellowship, advancing interdisciplinary approaches to education and therapy.