Dr. Yasmin Kafai

Professor

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Biography

Yasmin B. Kafai is the Lori Michael Milken President’s Distinguished Professor at the Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania, with a secondary appointment in Computer Information Science. She is an influential learning designer and researcher dedicated to developing online tools and fostering communities that promote coding, critical thinking, and creativity among learners. Kafai has significantly impacted the education landscape through her research on AI literacy and has contributed to the popular Scratch programming language used globally by millions of young users. Her work also emphasizes introducing electronic textiles into high school curriculums to enhance computing and engineering education. Kafai has published numerous books and reports, receiving accolades and funding from several foundations including the National Science Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation. She earned her doctorate from Harvard University and has coauthored influential educational technology plans. A fellow of major educational organizations, Kafai is highly regarded for her contributions to equity and diversity in education, especially in the areas of serious gaming and instructional technology.

Research Interests

Experience

Lori Michael Milken President’s Distinguished Professor

2008-01-01 — Present

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Leading research on learning design and educational technology.

Awards

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Grant from Google's Computer Science Education Research Awards

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Grant from the National Science Foundation

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National Science Foundation Early Career Award

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

Wharton Doctoral programs cover fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, and Operations, Information and Decisions.