Stephen Sher

Stephen Sher is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. His research focuses on applying ethnographic methods to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), with particular interest in gaming communities and computer science education. He co-authored a seminal 2019 paper examining the social dynamics of video game charity marathons like Games Done Quick, which raised millions for charity through live-streamed events.

Dr. Sher earned his Ph.D. in Informatics from Indiana University Bloomington, specializing in HCI Design, and holds degrees in computer engineering and computer science from the University of Southern California. His teaching spans computer architecture, software requirements engineering, and human-centered computing.

He directs the Ethnography Research Group at Rose-Hulman, exploring how collaborative practices in gaming and livestreaming communities can inform interactive technology design. His work bridges academic research with real-world applications in digital communities and charitable fundraising.