Biography
Derek Schuurman's personal story includes working in industry for several years before returning to academia. His interest in technology began in his early teens playing with ham radio and his first computer. He is also interested in the bigger picture of ethics, perspectives, and issues related to technology using insights from the philosophy of technology in conversation with the Reformed tradition.
He is author of the book Shaping a Digital World and co-author of A Christian Field Guide to Technology for Engineers and Designers, both published by IVP Academic. He is also a regular contributor to the Christian Scholars Review blog, and a columnist for Christian Courier.
Prof. Schuurman is a fellow of the American Scientific Affiliation, an associate fellow of the Kirby Liang Centre, and was made a senior member of the IEEE. He is a member of the ACM, CES, ACMS, and serves as a book review editor for Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith.
Education
- BASc Electrical Engineering, University of Waterloo
- MASc Electrical Engineering, University of Waterloo
- PhD, McMaster University
Events & Appearances
Academic Interests
- issues relating to faith and computer technology
- computer science pedagogy
- embedded systems and IoT
- robotics and computer vision
Recent talks
Professor Schuurman was selected as the ACMS Brabenec Lecturer for 2023-2024.
Select Articles
- Derek C. Schuurman, “Lament for a Wife”, Christian Courier, February 5, 2024 (PDF format).
- Derek C. Schuurman, “A Tribute to the Z80”, IEEE Computer Magazine, Volume 57, Issue 9, September, 2024.
- Derek C. Schuurman, “Virtue and Artificial Intelligence”, Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, Volume 75, Number 3, December 2023, 155-161.
- Derek C. Schuurman, “ChatGPT and the Rise of AI”, Christian Scholar's Review blog, January 20, 2023 (winner of a 2024 Word Award for a Topical Blog).
- Derek C. Schuurman, “Technology and the Biblical Story”, Pro Rege, Vol. 46, No. 1, September, 2017, 4-11 (available also in Portuguese as Tecnologia e a história bíblica).
- Derek C. Schuurman, “Approaches to Christian Education: From Elusive Towards a Larger and Deeper Approach”, Pro Rege, Vol. 44, No. 3, March, 2016, 14-20.
- Derek C. Schuurman, “Kuyper and Technology, or How a Voice From the Past Can Speak to our Digital Age”, Christian Scholar's Review, Volume XLIX, Number 2, Winter 2020, 161-174.
- Derek C. Schuurman, “Artificial Intelligence: Discerning a Christian Response”, Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, Volume 71, Number 2, June 2019, 75-82.
- Bryan W. House, David W. Capson, Derek C. Schuurman, “Towards Real-Time Sorting of Recyclable Goods Using Support Vector Machines”, Proceedings of the IEEE International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology (ISSST), May 2011.
D.C. Schuurman and D.W. Capson, “Robust Direct Visual Servoing Using Network-Synchronized Cameras”, IEEE Transactions on Robotics and Automation, April 2004, Volume 20, Issue 2, 319- 334.
See a complete list of publications
Book Chapters
- Derek C. Schuurman, “AI in Education: Villain, Savior, or Something Else?” in ACSI Leading Insights: Artificial Intelligence, edited by Lynn E. Swaner, Association of Christian Schools International, 2024, 10-16.
- Derek C. Schuurman, “Seeking Wisdom in Engineering and Computer Science” in Where Wisdom May be Found: The Eternal Purpose of Christian Higher Education, edited by Edward P. Meadors, Pickwick Publications, 2019, 214-226.
Derek C. Schuurman, “Responsible Automation: Faith and Work in an Age of Intelligent Machines” in The Wonder and Fear of Technology: Commissioned Essays on Faith and Technology, edited by David H. Kim, Center for Faith & Work, 2016, 42-56.
Publications
