Mark Allen Weiss

Mark Allen Weiss is a Professor in the School of Computer Science at Florida International University (FIU), where he has served as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies. His career spans decades of significant contributions to computer science education, particularly through his influential textbooks on data structures that have been used worldwide for multiple decades.

Dr. Weiss's research interests focus on data structures, algorithms, computer science curriculum development, and educational methodologies. He pioneered the inclusion of advanced topics like splay trees and amortized analysis in programming textbooks with detailed implementations matching theoretical results. His work with C++ predates the Standard Template Library with vector and string classes, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach to programming education.

His publication record shows a consistent focus on computing education research, with recent work examining enrollment trends, math requirements in CS programs, student identity formation, and industry-academic partnerships. These publications demonstrate his commitment to understanding and improving the educational experiences of computer science students at all levels.

• ACM Karl V. Karlstrom Outstanding Educator Award (2021)
• ACM Distinguished Member (2011)
• ACM SIGCSE Award for Outstanding Contributions to Computer Science Education
• IEEE-CS Taylor Booth Education Award
• IEEE Sayle Education Achievement Award
• IEEE Fellow
• ACM Distinguished Educator

As Associate Dean at FIU, Weiss has championed programs to improve student success and increase diversity in computing through partnership initiatives across Florida universities. These programs include course pooling to increase access, enhanced support for challenging early courses, and financial assistance for high-ability students with economic needs, significantly improving graduation rates at FIU. His leadership extended to the Advanced Placement CS Development Committee where he chaired the transition from C++ to Java in the early 2000s.

Weiss has been instrumental in co-leading projects to help the National Science Foundation set priorities for CS education research, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to shaping the future of computing education through evidence-based practices and systemic improvements.