Chris Mayfield

Chris Mayfield is a Professor of Computer Science at James Madison University's College of Integrated Science & Engineering, where he has held roles as Professor (2023–Present), Associate Professor (2017–2023), and Assistant Professor (2011–2017). His expertise lies in computer science education and faculty development, focusing on undergraduate and high school curricula. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Computer Science from Purdue University (2011 and 2007) and dual degrees in Computer Science and German Language from the University of Utah (B.S./B.A., 2005).

His research emphasizes student-centered pedagogies like Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL), evaluating their impact on learning outcomes, student engagement, and sense of belonging in introductory courses. He has explored frameworks for curriculum standardization, free textbook initiatives, and faculty development programs to enhance CS education at all levels. His work bridges theory and practice, with notable contributions to textbooks like Think Java and tools like Praxly for CS assessment.

Prior to academia, Mayfield worked as a software developer (2001–2005) and held internships at Google (2009) and IBM Almaden (2008). His career reflects a commitment to making computer science accessible, equitable, and engaging through innovative teaching methods and collaborative research.