Katie Salen Tekinbas

Katie Salen Tekinbas is a Professor in the Department of Informatics at the University of California at Irvine (UCI), affiliated with the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences. She is also Chief Designer and co-founder of Connected Camps, an online learning platform using Minecraft to foster creativity and collaboration among youth. Her work bridges game design, play, and learning to create inclusive educational experiences.

Education:

She holds a B.F.A. from the University of Texas at Austin (1990) and an M.F.A. from the Rhode Island School of Design (1992). Her academic background in design and education has informed her career in creating child-centered digital spaces.

Research Interests:

Salen Tekinbas focuses on Computer Games and Virtual Worlds, exploring how gaming trends and virtual environments impact youth engagement and learning. She also studies Human-Computer Interaction, particularly how technology can be designed to promote equity and social-emotional growth. Her work emphasizes 'raising good gamers' by integrating conflict resolution, mentorship, and mindfulness into online communities like Minecraft. She advocates for a kid-friendly internet and sustainable online spaces.

Grants and Collaborations:

She has led or collaborated on grants from NSF, the MacArthur Foundation, Gates Foundation, and others, focusing on topics such as digital citizenship, esports entrepreneurship, and trauma-informed gaming. She co-founded the nonprofit Connected Camps and the Institute of Play, while also contributing to the Connected Learning Research Network and the Connected Learning Lab.

Awards:

• 2021 Dean’s Honoree for Undergraduate Teaching (UCI)
• 2021 Distinguished Educator Award (Game Design and Interactive Media Program)

Labs and Teams:

She is part of the Connected Learning Lab, a research hub exploring how digital spaces can enhance youth learning. She also leads the Game Design and Interactive Media program at UCI, which integrates STEM and soft skills through esports and immersive technologies.