Jessica Hammer

Jessica Hammer is an Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute and the Entertainment Technology Center, as well as the Director of the Center for Transformational Play. Her research focuses on transformational games, designing games that change players’ thinking, feelings, or behaviors. As an award-winning game designer, her work spans multiple domains, including educational technology, inclusive design, and social change. Recognized by both academia and industry, she has received the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, been named a Young Scientist by the World Economic Forum, and was inducted into the Women in Games Hall of Fame.

Jessica’s game designs emphasize player experience while addressing societal issues. For example, "Frolic" promotes healthy behaviors, and "Rosenstrasse" explores the impact of historical events on gender and society. Her research and creative work have significantly contributed to game studies, education innovation, and societal impact.

• 2014–Present·Carnegie Mellon University·Associate Professor
  • Serving as Associate Professor at the Human-Computer Interaction Institute and the Entertainment Technology Center, focusing on transformational games and educational technology.
• 2022–Present·Center for Transformational Play·Director
  • Leading research and project development aimed at driving societal change and educational innovation through game design.

• 2014·Columbia University·Ph.D.
  • Specialized in cognitive studies in education. Doctoral dissertation, "Playing prejudice: The impact of game-play on attributions of gender and racial bias," examined the influence of games on gender and racial bias.
• 2002·New York University·MPS
  • Studied Interactive Telecommunications, focusing on multimedia technologies and interaction design.
• 1999·Harvard University·BA
  • Graduated with honors in Computer Science.