Debra Lieberman

Debra Lieberman is a Lecturer in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara and a researcher at the Institute for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research (ISBER). Her work focuses on the psychology and design of human-computer interaction, particularly in health communication, interactive games for learning, and children’s media. She leads Health Games Research, a national initiative advancing digital games for health promotion. Debra also consults for major tech and healthcare organizations like Apple, Disney, Microsoft, and Kaiser Permanente.

Her research examines how interactive media features—such as user control, personalized content, and interactivity—enhance learning and behavior change. Current studies investigate the impact of dance video games on physical fitness and exercise motivation. Prior roles include Vice President of Research at Click Health (developing Nintendo health games for pediatric conditions) and faculty positions at Indiana University's Department of Telecommunications.

Debra holds grants from public agencies, foundations, and corporations, and has contributed to projects reducing urgent medical visits by up to 77% through game-based interventions. Her expertise bridges academia, industry, and public health.