Ron Dubren earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at NYU in 1975. He considers himself both an artist and a toy inventor. In the world of toys, Dubren created some of the most memorable and innovative examples both alone and in collaboration with other inventors. These include Tickle Me Elmo and a host of Tickle Me spin-off characters including the TMX and Giggle Pals toys. He's worked on both the Pranksters and Gizmos activity sets and he created the Rubik's Rabbit puzzle.