James D. Herbsleb

James D. Herbsleb is a Professor at Carnegie Mellon University in the Software and Societal Systems Department under the School of Computer Science. He served as Department Head from 2019-2024 and holds a PhD in Psychology and an MS in Computer Science.

• Education
  • PhD in Psychology
  • MS in Computer Science

Research interests focus on the intersection of software engineering, computer-supported cooperative work, and socio-technical systems. Key areas include global software teams, open source ecosystems, and the limits of modularity in complex projects. His work explores decision networks, interface translucence, and scientific software sharing through NSF-funded initiatives.

Recent publications examine API management in ecosystems like Eclipse and Node.js, coordination theory in distributed teams, and transparency in open source practices. Awards include the ACM Outstanding Research Award (2016) and Alan Newell Award (2014).

• Scientific Awards
  • ACM Outstanding Research Award (2016)
  • Alan Newell Award for Research Excellence (2014)
  • Most Influential Paper Award (ICSE 2010)
  • Best Paper Award (Academy of Management 2010)
  • Best Paper Award (CSCW 2006)

Students advised include Patrick Wagstrom (COS PhD), Anita Sarma (postdoc), Uri Dekel (SE PhD), and current PhD candidates like Ben Towne. Research is supported by NSF, Sloan Foundation, and industry partners including Google and IBM.