Dr. Derek Schuurman

Professor, Department Chair

Departments:

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, a fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion (FISSR), 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.

Visit Prof. Schuurman's personal website.

Education

BASc Electrical Engineering, University of Waterloo
MASc Electrical Engineering, University of Waterloo
PhD, McMaster University

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.

See a complete list of talks

Select Articles

Derek C. Schuurman, “Lament for a Wife”, Christian Courier, February 5, 2024 (PDF format).
Derek C. Schuurman, “The Challenges and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence: Reflections from a Christian Computer Scientist”, Christian Higher Education, March 2026, 1-15.
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.
Derek C. Schuurman, “Response to Chapter 4: The Importance of Humility and Humor: Countermeasures against Techno-Foolishness”, in Habits of the High Tech Heart: Living Virtuously in the Information Age, updated and expanded edition, by Quentin J. Schultze, Integratio Press, 2024, 137-141.
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.

Chapters in Books

Derek C. Schuurman, "Artificial Intelligence and the Biblical Story: Reflections from a Christian Computer Scientist", Christian Formation Amid Emerging Technologies, McMaster General Studies Series, Pickwick Publications, Forthcoming 2026.
Derek C. Schuurman and Steven H. VanderLeest, "A Reformed Christian Perspective of Engineering and Technology", Creation Regained: Disciplinary Perspectives, edited by Russel Kosits, Dordt Press, 2026, 113-144.
Derek C. Schuurman, "Response to Chapter 4: The Importance of Humility and Humor: Countermeasures against Techno-foolishness", in Habits of the High Tech Heart: Living Virtuously in the Information Age, updated and expanded edition, by Quentin J. Schultze, Integratio Press, 2024, 137-141.
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.