His introductory Computer Science course draws over 1000 students a year, from both the School of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences. Sherriff's other teaching interests include web services, mobile technology, and computer game design. His research interests are primarily in CS education and engineering education in general. In 2010, he received the Hartfield-Jefferson Scholars Teaching Prize, the highest teaching award in the School of Engineering at UVa. Since then, he has received four other teaching awards from UVa student groups. He received his PhD in 2007 from NC State University.