Chris Murphy Champions Mental Health in Computer Science Education

An Advocate for Empathy in the Classroom

Chris Murphy, a visiting assistant professor of computer science, stands out as a beacon of empathy and mental health awareness in the academic world. Drawing from his personal experiences, Murphy prioritizes creating supportive environments that allow computer science students not only to excel academically but also to develop personally.

The Urgency for Mental Health Awareness

Recognizing the growing importance of mental health, especially after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Murphy has delved into understanding how mental health conditions like anxiety and depression affect students. He is determined to dismantle the stigma associated with mental health in academia, making it a pressing issue within computer science education.

“I balance learning and health,” says Murphy. “If I only prioritize learning, it can be detrimental to students’ well-being.”

Breaking Barriers with the DO-IT Trailblazer Award

Murphy’s impactful work earned him the DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking & Technology) Trailblazer Award from the University of Washington, acknowledging his leadership in fostering an inclusive atmosphere in computer science education.

• Policies that empower students while holding them accountable.
• Encouragement for faculty members to be more proactive in supporting student mental health.

Collaborative Efforts to Foster Understanding

Through collaboration with students like Asli Yuksel and Van Nguyen, Murphy conducted comprehensive surveys to gain insights into the interaction between faculty and students regarding mental health. These surveys highlighted gender differences and the varied levels of responsibility felt by faculty members:

• Women and newer instructors often felt a greater responsibility to support students’ mental health.
• Senior faculty were likely to implement more tangible actions to aid students.

Creating Inclusive Courses

Murphy inspires fellow educators to embrace inclusive practices, encouraging students with mental health conditions not to merely survive but thrive. His article, “Making CS Education Inclusive for Students with Mental Health Conditions,” published in re:think Magazine, provides valuable strategies for educators to tailor their courses to diverse student needs.

Intersectionality in Mental Health and Education

Recognizing that mental health intersects with other identities such as race and gender, Murphy addresses the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups in computer science. Many students, including women and students of color, wish to excel while maintaining their mental health, necessitating open dialogues and understanding.

Showcasing Research at Conferences

At the upcoming ACM SIGCSE Technical Symposium, Murphy, along with students Mei Prasetio and Asli Yuksel, will present research projects highlighting the intersectional experiences of students with mental health conditions.

• “Understanding Intersectional Experiences of Computer Science Students Living with Mental Health Conditions” discussion session.
• Poster on “Intersectional Identities of Asian Americans Living with Mental Health Conditions” in computer science education.
• Poster on “Computer Science Faculty Perspectives on Undergraduate Student Mental Health”.

Looking Ahead: Broadening the Impact

Murphy’s work emphasizes the need for academic institutions to prioritize mental health alongside learning, making computer science a more welcoming field for all students. His continuous efforts not only contribute to advancing educational practices but also inspire a generation of students and educators to adopt a more holistic approach to learning.

Related Initiatives

• Swarthmore’s selection for the Responsible AI Program by the National Humanities Council, showcasing the institution’s commitment to integrating ethical practices.
• The Competitive Programming Team‘s impressive performance, highlighting academic excellence at Swarthmore.

As awareness about mental health grows, Chris Murphy’s work remains vital in shaping an inclusive and supportive educational landscape.

Source: https://www.swarthmore.edu/news-events/chris-murphy-advocates-mental-health-awareness-computer-science-education