Tom Keenan

Dr. Thomas P. Keenan is a Professor in the Faculty of Environmental Design, Adjunct Professor of Computer Science and Research Fellow at the Centre for Military and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary. His research focuses on computer security and the social implications of technology. With a background as a Systems Analyst and Systems Programmer for large mainframe computers, he taught Canada’s first computer security course in 1976. He co-wrote and hosted the 1984 CBC IDEAS radio series “Crimes of the Future” and is the author of a forthcoming book on creepiness in technology. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, a Master of Science (Engineering) degree in Mathematical Methods and Operations Research and a Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Education, all from Columbia University. He participated in the 1983 Department of Justice consultation that led to Canada’s first computer crime law, and has served as an expert witness in several court cases.

A frequent contributor to the media and public discourse about technology, he was awarded the 2012 NSERC Award for Science Promotion. He holds numerous professional designations including Information Systems Professional of Canada (I.S.P.), and Information Technology Certified Professional (ITCP) and is a Fellow of the Canadian Information Processing Society. He received the Queen’s Jubilee Commemorative Medal in 2003 and the Order of the University of Calgary in 2007. He currently serves on the boards of the SEEDS Foundation and the Information and Communications Technology Council of Canada, and has served as a Director of the Society for the Policing of Cyberspace and the Calgary Police Museum Interpretive Centre.