New Jersey Communities Mourn the Death of Stanford Professor Michael Bernstein

New Jersey communities and the academic world are mourning the death of Michael Bernstein, a distinguished professor of computer science at Stanford University, who passed away this week following what was described as a sad incident. Further details surrounding his death have not been publicly released.

Bernstein was an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University, a Bass University Fellow, and a Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). He was widely recognized as a leading scholar in human-centered computing, social and interactive technologies, and the design of systems that shape how people collaborate and communicate.

A nationally bestselling author, Bernstein wrote Flash Teams, published by MIT Press, which reached the USA TODAY bestseller list in October 2025. His research and ideas reached far beyond academia and were featured in prominent outlets including The New York Times, Wired, Science, Nature, MIT Technology Review, and TED AI.

Over the course of his career, Bernstein received numerous prestigious honors, including an Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, the Computer History Museum’s Patrick J. McGovern Tech for Humanity Prize, the UIST Lasting Impact Award, and recognition as a CASBS Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences. He was also named to Stanford’s Teaching Honor Roll and held the title of Bass University Fellow.

Bernstein earned his bachelor’s degree in Symbolic Systems from Stanford University, followed by a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Computer Science from MIT. His work focused on designing technologies that support collective intelligence, ethical AI, and social good—contributions that influenced both academic research and real-world technological practice.

News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, students, and communities in New Jersey, where he had personal ties, as well as from the global technology and research communities. Many have remembered him not only for his intellectual brilliance, but also for his mentorship, generosity, and commitment to using technology to improve society.

Michael Bernstein’s death marks a profound loss for Stanford University and the broader field of computer science. Tributes continue to highlight the lasting impact of his scholarship, teaching, and vision for humane and socially responsible technology.