You know this metal rectangle full of little lights? I spend most of my life pressing buttons to make the pattern of lights change however I want. -XKCD 722

Contact Information

Office

Buchanan Hall D217B (enter through Buchanan Hall D215)

Can I meet with you in person? [Spring 2026, email me immediately if this is not the right semester!] Yes. My office hours are Tuesdays 1:30-3:30pm this semester (I may be a few minutes late as I'm coming directly from class). Office hours change every semester, so just check in if you come in some later semester. My office hours are first-come-first-serve, so feel free to just stop by when you're able! If you have another class during those times, just send me a screenshot of your PatriotWeb schedule showing that and we'll setup another meeting time :)

Email

krusselc@gmu.edu -- Read this before you email!

Can I email you? Yes, but my email is checked approximately once a day, in bulk, and at a time of day which differs depending on about 100 different factors. So if you email me and you don't get a response. Please wait at least 24 hours before becoming concerned. If you have not gotten a response within 48 hours, please check that you have emailed the right person (there are several similar-names and similar-emails at GMU), and then follow-up if it is urgent. Perfectly normal scenario: I check my mail at 10am on Monday, you email me at 11am on Monday, I reply back at 6pm on Tuesday.

Course Pages

Flockbot robots from GMU's Autonomous Robotics Laboratory

Analysis of Algorithms

Help Page

Research and Project Design Principles in Computing

CS390 Info Page (Fall 2024)

About Me

Robot reading a book on computer vision.

CV

CV (pdf)

Education

2020, PhD in Computer Science, George Mason University, Distinguished Academic Achievement Award

2012, MS in Computer Science, George Mason University, Distinguished Academic Achievement Award

2007, BS in Computer Science, University of Maryland University College, Cum Laude

2004, AA in General Studies with a focus in Massage Therapy, Anne Arundel Community College, Summa Cum Laude

Teaching Experience:

CS483/583. Analysis of Algorithms
CS477. Mobile Computing
CS395. Student Initiated Special Topics (Faculty Advisor)
CS390. Research and Project Design Principles in Computing
CS321. Software Engineering
CS310. Data Structures
CS211. Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
CS112. Introduction to Computer Programming
INFS519. Program Design and Data Structures

Teacher of Distinction, Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning, George Mason University, 2020
Outstanding Teaching Award, Department of CS, George Mason University, 2020

Cool Stuff I Do/Did:

Kendo (2004-Present)
Volunteer at Fairfax County Animal Shelter (2025-present)
GMU's Robocup team (2010-12)
Worked as a freelance web developer (2004-10)
Ran a Japanese language club (2005-09)
Took classes in massage therapy (2004-05)
Volunteered at The Book Thing of Baltimore (2003-04)
Worked at the SPCA of Anne Arundel County (2001)
Volunteered on Delaware’s Tall Ship (2000-01)