Michael Coblenz

Michael Coblenz is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on integrating user-centered design into programming language development, creating safer languages for blockchain and scientific computing. He completed his Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University under Jonathan Aldrich and Brad A. Myers, followed by a Basili postdoctoral fellowship at University of Maryland.

• Specializes in usability of programming languages
• Created Obsidian language for safer smart contracts
• Developed PLIERS methodology for iterative language design
• Active in Rust usability and REST API quality research

His work bridges programming languages and human-computer interaction, with recent projects including Kale (safer spreadsheets) and climate change-focused programming tools. He has served on program committees for SPLASH, VL/HCC, and HATRA conferences.

• 2025: Graduate Consortium Co-chair at VL/HCC
• 2024: HATRA Organizing Chair
• 2023: Doctoral Symposium Chair at SPLASH