Theresa Jean Tanenbaum

Theresa Jean Tanenbaum, also known as "Tess," is an Associate Professor in the Department of Informatics at the University of California, Irvine (UCI).12 She is a multidisciplinary researcher, game designer, artist, and maker with expertise in several areas of interactive media and technology.34

Research and Expertise

Professor Tanenbaum's work focuses on:

• Interactive Narrative
• Design Fiction
• Game Studies
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Transformative Play

Her research combines design research methods, close readings of games, and artistic practice and production.3 She is particularly interested in designing games and digital storytelling systems that use tangible objects and props to provide people with gateways into fictional worlds.2

Academic Contributions

Tanenbaum has made significant contributions to her field, with over 4,000 citations of her work.1 Some of her most cited papers cover topics such as:

• DIY and maker practices in technology
• The use and abandonment of smart devices
• Design fiction and its role in exploring future technologies
• Agency and narrative in games

Professional Background

Dr. Tanenbaum is a founding member of the Transformative Play Lab at UC Irvine.7 Prior to her current position, she was completing her Ph.D. at Simon Fraser University's School of Interactive Arts and Technology.5

Outreach and Education

In addition to her research, Professor Tanenbaum is involved in educational outreach. For example, she has led career workshops for junior high students, introducing them to potential careers in technology and informatics.6

It's worth noting that while the query mentions a LinkedIn username of "joshtanenbaum," the correct LinkedIn profile for Theresa Jean Tanenbaum uses the username "tesstanenbaum".4