Charles Wallace

Charles Wallace is a Professor of Computer Science at Michigan Technological University and served as Associate Dean for Curriculum & Instruction in its College of Computing from 2019 to 2024. A linguistics-trained computer scientist, he bridges software development, computing pedagogy, and digital literacy for marginalized groups. His research focuses on improving human-software interaction through

• interdisciplinary frameworks
• ethical computing education
• community-driven outreach programs

Wallace earned his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Michigan, MA in Linguistics from the University of California, and BA in Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania. Since joining Michigan Tech in 2000, he has co-founded the Software Engineering bachelor’s degree program and led major curriculum reforms. His work spans computing ethics, digital literacy for seniors, and intergenerational computer education, supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, Google, Microsoft Research, and the DoD.

His teaching philosophy emphasizes interactive learning through think-pair-share, small group work, and peer mentoring. He pioneered the Ethical Cycle framework for teaching engineering ethics and informal Friday afternoon recitation sessions in his graduate Theory of Computation course. Key awards include the 2024 Distinguished Teaching Award and Distinguished Service Award for his BASIC (Building Adult Skills in Computing) and Copper Country Coders outreach initiatives.

Scientific Awards:

• 2024 Michigan Tech Distinguished Teaching Award
• 2024 Michigan Association of State Universities Distinguished Professor Award
• 2014 Michigan Tech Distinguished Service Award
• 2010 Fulbright Award
• Fulbright Alumni Ambassador