Biography

Biography

Dr. Matthew Marino is a Professor of Exceptional Student Education and Director of the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute at the University of Central Florida. His leadership includes being a principal investigator or co-principal investigator on 18 state and federally funded contracts and grants totaling over $75.5 million since 2010 from agencies including the Institute of Education Sciences, National Science Foundation, and Office of Special Education Programs. As a co-principal investigator of the Center for Innovation. Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL), Dr. Marino leads research focused on AI-enhanced learning, Universal Design, and technology-based STEM interventions for individuals with disabilities. His portfolio includes over 80 peer-reviewed publications and 100 invited presentations. He serves as affiliate faculty in the Learning Sciences Cluster, Lockheed Martin Academy, and Interactive Computing Experience Research Cluster. His scholarly contributions emphasize inclusive innovation, data-driven decision-making, and the ethical application of emerging technologies in educator preparation.

Areas of Expertise
  • Instructional Design for diverse populations
  • Universal Design for Learning
  • Executive function
  • Transition from school to work
Education
  • B.S. Animal Science, University of Connecticut
  • M.A. Education, Johnson State College, Vermont
  • Ph.D. Special Education, University of Connecticut

Research

Dr. Marino’s research centers on the wide range of programs housed at the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute (TJEEI). Studies he is leading critically analyze the variables necessary to improve workforce readiness and independent living skills for individuals with disabilities. Dr. Marino conducted pioneering research on the impact of video games on science and mathematics learning for adolescents with high incidence disabilities with funding from the National Science Foundation. He utilizes Lean Startup principals to examine the validity, usability, and reliability of AI and other technology-enhanced curricular materials. He is a Co-PI at the National Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning. His contributions influence national policy, strengthen teacher preparation, and guide interdisciplinary teams committed to optimizing educational systems for diverse learners.

Research Interests
  • STEM education
  • Universal Design for Learning
  • Educational video game development and testing
  • School to work transition
  • Teacher preparation
Research Center/Institute/Lab Affiliations
Faculty Cluster Initiatives
Current Funded Projects

Dr. Marino is a co-principal investigator on three currently funded projects:

Inclusive Education Services
Award #14107033-070123-3-35, Principal Investigator, Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities.

National Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL)
Award #H327F50003, Co-Principal Investigator, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

UPCS: Unlimited Potential Community Schools
Award# S215J230052, Co-Principal Investigator, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Full-Service Community Schools Program.

Special education teacher education Policy, practice, and Research doctoral training Consortium: SPARC
Award #H325H240016, Co-Principal Investigator, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

Service


Dr. Marino is on the editorial review board for a number of special education, science, and technology journals. He is a technical reviewer for the National Science Foundation, a past reviewer for the Institute of Education Sciences. At the local level, he is a member of the School Advisory Council for a highly regarded STEM school of choice in Brevard County, FL. He also serves on several university committees and is the interim director of the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute.

Awards

  • UCF Luminary Award Winner (2024)
  • Promotion to Full Professor (2018)
  • Inspiring Leaders in STEM Award, presented by Insight into Diversity (2017)
  • Research Incentive Award, presented by the University of Central Florida (2017)
  • Video Games developed from IES and NSF funded projects featured as exemplar science learning games by the U.S. Department of Education in the publication “Reimagining the Role of Technology in Education” (p. 22) (2017)
  • Video Games developed from IES and NSF funded projects featured as exemplar science learning games in the U.S. Department of Education publication “Future Ready Learning” (p. 20) (2016)
  • iSTEM Fellow, University of Central Florida (2015)

Courses

  • EEX 4242: Teaching Exceptional Students in Secondary Settings
  • EEX 6065: Programming for Students with Disabilities at the Secondary Level (Secondary Methods)
  • EEX 7865: Internship in College Instruction
  • EEX 7527: Professional/Grant Writing in Special Education