Mark Sherman

Mark Sherman is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Emmanuel College and serves as the director of the Interdisciplinary Digital & Data Sciences (IDDS) initiative. He is actively engaged in advancing computing education, particularly through accessible and empowering technologies like MIT App Inventor.

• Ph.D., M.S., B.S. in Computer Science from University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Postdoctoral researcher at MIT, affiliated with the MIT App Inventor Team
• Alumnus of the Engaging Computing Group at UMass Lowell

His research focuses on democratizing computing, computational thinking, learning analytics, and the psychology of learning programming. He emphasizes making computing meaningful for all students, particularly in liberal arts and K-12 contexts. His work aims to empower individuals through technology and improve pedagogical practices in computer science education.

The 15 most recent publications highlight a consistent trajectory in computing education research, with a strong emphasis on block-based programming environments, assessment methodologies, and curricular innovations using MIT App Inventor. The articles reflect interdisciplinary engagement, combining computer science, education, psychology, and social impact, particularly in liberal arts and middle school settings.

His scientific contributions have been recognized through multiple grants and service roles:

• NSF GK-12 Fellowship (2009–2010)
• NSF iTest Grant (2007–2009)
• NSF Transforming Undergraduate Education in STEM (2011–2014)
• NSF Middle School Pathways Grant (2015–2017)
• CoolThink Curriculum Development Grant, Hong Kong Jockey Club (2017–2018)
• Code.org CS Ed Week Advisory Committee (2017)
• Research Member, CS for ALL Consortium
• Co-Chair, Blocks & Beyond II Workshop at VL/HCC 2017
• Reviewer for ACM SIGCSE, TOCE, Connected Learning Summit

Mark Sherman has contributed significantly to grant-funded research in computing education, primarily as a collaborator on projects led by Dr. Fred Martin. He has advised on curriculum development, served on national advisory boards, and actively participated in the CS education community through reviewing, organizing workshops, and disseminating research. His advocacy extends to diversity in tech, mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and open-source software, reflecting a commitment to inclusive and ethical computing education.

He is affiliated with the Engaging Computing Group at UMass Lowell and the MIT App Inventor Team, where his postdoctoral work contributed to tools and curricula for computational action and learning analytics. These teams focus on making computing accessible, meaningful, and transformative for learners of all ages and backgrounds.