Brittany Johnson, PhD


Assistant Professor in CS

Director of the INSPIRED Lab @ GMU

Principal Researcher @ ChatBlackGPT

Data and Technology Activist


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About Me

I am Dr. Brittany Johnson-Matthews, directing the INSPIRED Lab at George Mason University. My work bridges software engineering, human-computer interaction, and artificial intelligence with interdisciplinary insights to investigate socio-technical problems and solutions pertaining to developer productivity and software development/use, such as tool support, work environments, ethics, and software for social good.

I got my Ph.D. from NC State in 2017 and a B.A. in CS from College of Charleston in 2011. My research focuses on socio-technical problems in software development and use—from AI tool support to ethical considerations in software for social good.

Beyond Research

Creativity drives my life outside academia. Whether painting canvases or painting my nails, I find joy in opportunities for artistic expression. I'm passionate about mentoring others to reach their potential while staying true to their roots.

Research Projects

My research tackles critical challenges in modern software development and use through interdisciplinary approaches that prioritize human-centered design and ethical AI implementation

Trustworthy AI Assistants

AI assistants like ChatGPT and Copilot have become ubiquitous in software development and show great potential. However, there are several challenges that remain to be addressed which undermining trust in these tools, thereby hindering effective human-AI collaboration. Building on insights from prior work, this research investigates approaches for improving the reliability and usability of AI assistants for software development tasks such as code generation and vulnerability repair.

LLMs, Vibes, & Well-Being

There is a growing trend of using general-purpose large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, in software development workflows. One emerging phenomenon is vibe coding, which refers to a fluid, intuitive, and emotionally attuned development style shaped by conversational AI tools, music, mood, and ambient factors. This research investigates the technical and psychological aspects of general-purpose LLM use to promote a more balanced and adaptable approach to LLM-driven software development.

Risk Reduction in Open Source Software

Open source innovations have become central to the modern software landscape. The distributed, voluntary, and fluid nature of open source software development introduces unique challenges when it comes to ensuring quality of contributions and outcomes. This research investigates state-of-practice and mechanisms for reducing risk in the development and use of open source software such as practical stability metrics, automated documentation maintenance and assessment support, and responsible engineering practices.

Practical AI Model Maintenance Training

Artificial intelligence (AI) models are increasingly deployed across diverse domains, yet maintaining these models—through tasks such as testing, debugging, and repairing—remains a significant challenge. Furthermore, it remains unclear how current computer science (CS) education prepares students for the maintenance of these systems. This research investigates the extent to which model maintenance concepts are integrated into computer science curricula, how they are presented to students, and what gaps may exist in current educational and training practices.

Foundations for Culturally-Informed AI

AI assistants (e.g., Gemini, ChatGPT) are powerful tools that can be integrated into various contexts. Unfortunately, the power and benefits afforded by AI assistants are not evenly distributed. Recent years have seen the introduction of culturally-informed AI -- systems capable of going beyond predominantly Western narratives and values to support engagement from more niche communities. This research explores the landscape of culturally-informed AI and ways we can facilitate responsible design and development of these systems.

Students & External Collaborators

My research and impact are significantly amplified through the brilliant minds I have the pleasure of working with. Here are the individuals who contribute to our shared vision and drive innovation forward.

Current Students

Ebtesam Al Haque

Ph.D. Student, 5th year

investigating trust and reliability in AI assistants used for code generation

Fairuz Nawer Meem

Ph.D. Student, 4th year

studying impacts of AI assistants on software practitioner well-being and productivity

Sadia Afrin Mim

Ph.D. Student, 4th year

exploring tools and techniques for facilitating responsible open source and AI innovation

Mohammadreza Noei

Ph.D. Student, 4th year

studying the role and impact of AI on collaboration in open source software development

Elijah Adejumo

Ph.D. Student, 3rd year

investigating mechanisms for facilitating global engagement and minimizing risk in OSS

Fatema Tuz Zohra

Ph.D. Student, 3rd year

studying AI maintenance education and training in CS curriculum and beyond

Fatemeh Vares

Ph.D. Student, 3rd year

exploring use and reliability of AI assistants for vulnerability detection, explanation, and repair

Abdullah Ali

Undergraduate Researcher

studying governance in open source AI communities and supporting research on AI assistant reliability

Collaborators

Justin Smith, Ph.D.

Lafayette College, Dept. of Computer Science

expert in human-centered software engineering and developer tools

Erin Reddick

ChatBlackGPT, Founder & CEO

AI technology expert specializing in culturally-informed AI

Lauren Kuykendall, Ph.D.

George Mason University, Dept. of Psychology

expert in employee well-being, burnout, and work-nonwork balance

Alicia E. Boyd, Ph.D.

Independent Researcher

expert in intersectionality theory and reflexive methods in technological processes

Julia Ferraioli

Software Engineer

expert in open source ecosystems

Past Students

Nursena Kurubas

MS in CS, 2023

Software Engineer at Midas

Wren McQueary

MS in CS, 2023

Data Engineer at eQual Public Benefit Corporation

Connect & Collaborate

Publications & Research Impact

My research spans software engineering, human-computer interaction, and artificial intelligence with publications in top-tier venues.

Get In Touch

Interested in collaboration, mentorship opportunities, or discussing interdisciplinary research in software engineering and AI? I'd love to hear from you.