Yasmin Kafai is Professor of Learning Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a researcher and developer of tools, communities, and materials to promote computational participation, crafting, and creativity across K-16.​

Her recent books include “Connected Gaming: What Making Video Games Can Teach Us about Learning and Literacy”, “Connected Code: Why Children Need to Learn Programming,” “Connected Play: Tweens in a Virtual Worlds” and edited volumes “Diversifying Barbie and Mortal Kombat: Intersectional Perspectives and Inclusive Designs on Gender and Race in Gaming”, “Beyond Barbie and Mortal Kombat: New Perspectives on Gender and Gaming.”

Kafai earned a doctorate in education from Harvard University while working with Seymour Papert at the MIT Media Lab.​