Contact Details
Name: David J. Malan
Title: Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
Organization: Harvard University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Email: malan@harvard.edu
LinkedIn: [David J. Malan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/malan)
Academic Background
- Ph.D., Computer Science (2007), Harvard University
- S.M., Computer Science (2004), Harvard University
- A.B., Computer Science (1999), Harvard University
- Honorary Doctorate (Dr. h. c) (2022), Faculty of Management & Technology, Leuphana University Lüneburg
Professional Experience
- Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University
- Member of the Faculty of Education, Graduate School of Education, Harvard University
- Instructor, Harvard Law School, Harvard Extension School, Harvard Summer School, and Harvard Business School
- Professor in Residence, GitHub
Teaching and Courses
David J. Malan is the principal instructor for Computer Science 50 (CS50), a widely recognized and influential course that is one of the largest at Harvard University, Yale University, and the largest MOOC offered by edX with over 6 million registrations. The course is also available as OpenCourseWare, attracting more than 1.8 million subscribers on YouTube.
Notable Courses Taught:
- CS50 - Harvard University
- Harvard Extension School Courses
- Harvard Summer School Courses
- Harvard Law School Seminar
- Harvard Business School Courses
Research and Interests
David Malan’s primary research interests include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Collaborative Learning
- Computer-Assisted Instruction
- Cybersecurity
- Computer Science Education
- Distance Learning
Speaking Engagements and Publications
David J. Malan frequently participates in high-profile speaking engagements and lectures. Below is a selection of recent talks and presentations:
- July 2024: "Containerizing CS50: Standardizing Students’ Programming Environments," ITiCSE 2024
- June 2024: "Teaching CS50 with AI," CS50 Educator Workshop 2024
- February 2024: "Introduction to Cybersecurity: Keeping Your Computer and Phone Secure," Harvard Clubs of Egypt, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Africa
- December 2023: "Generative AI TutorBot Seminar," Harvard Initiative for Learning and Teaching (HILT)
- October 2023: "Computer Science, Gen AI, and Education," GE Appliances
- August 2023: "Embracing AI," Harvard Magazine
- June 2023: "Harvard Taps AI to Help Teach Computer Science Course," Inside Higher Ed
Additional Information
David Malan’s approach to teaching integrates advanced techniques and technologies, notably using AI in educational settings. His recent works include leveraging AI to augment teaching methods in CS50, providing students with robust and standardized cloud-based programming environments, and incorporating AI-driven tools for personalized instruction.
He remains active in the academic community through presentations at conferences such as SIGCSE and contributions to publications relevant to computer science education and cybersecurity. His extensive expertise and innovative teaching practices have made significant impacts on the global educational landscape, making his insights and methodologies highly valuable for discussions around the intersection of computer science and modern pedagogy.
