Scott M. Campbell
B.Math/CS, Waterloo (1999), M.A., Toronto (2002), Ph.D., Toronto (2006) [cv/resume]Contact Information
| Email: | sm2campb@uwaterloo.ca |  |
| Mail: |
Director & Option Coordinator Centre for Society, Technology and Values University of Waterloo 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 |
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| Office: | E3X Rm. 3174 (519) 888-4567 x35635 |
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| Office Hours: | Tuesdays: 12-2pm or by appointment |
Research
My research concerns the history of computing technology and science in Canada. More broadly, my interests include the history of technology in Canada, technological obsolescence and momentum and historical computer simulations and recreations.
My 2006 doctoral dissertation, "The Premise of Computer Science: Establishing Modern Computing at the University of Toronto (1945-1964)" details the first Canadian attempts to join the world of modern computing shortly after WWII. You can read the [abstract] online; a pdf of the complete text is available upon request.
For my 2002 M.A., I wrote a major research paper, "`WAT' For Ever: Student-Oriented Compilers and Computing at the University of Waterloo, 1957-1967". WATFOR was a student-oriented, fast load-and-go FORTRAN compiler written in 1965 by four undergraduates at the University of Waterloo for its IBM 7040 mainframe. It was very popular for the IBM 7040/44, but it was a second version written for the IBM System/360 that launched WATFOR and the University of Waterloo upon the international stage. I have recently reopened this research and intend to publish an article soon. If you were involved with WATFOR as one of the original participants or as a user, don't hesitate to contact me as I would love to discuss your experiences.
Another project I am launching is to explore the historical impact of microcomputing on computer science in Canada. When computer science emerged as a discipline in the 1960s, it was linked pedagogically to large, centralized computing centres. In the 1970s, small and cheap microprocessor based microcomputers were invented which created a new paradigm of computing power distributed into the hands of individuals. How did computer science departments react to this new technology? What was the role of machines like the microWAT and SuperPET, and software like the Waterloo micro Software System? Why did some universities in Canada move relatively quickly to adapt and adopt microcomputing to their computer science curriculum, while others hesitated or ignored the technology? I hope to answer these and similar questions.
Another project in progress is a UTEC simulator. The first modern, electronic, digital computer was the University of Toronto Electronic Computer (UTEC) built at the University of Toronto between 1948 and 1952.
Research, Reviews, other Writing
- Campbell, Scott M., "Review: Lars Heide: Punched-Card Systems and the Early Information Explosion, 1880-1945.", Scientia Canadensis, forthcoming.
- Campbell, Scott M., ``Backwater Calculations for the St. Lawrence Seaway and the First Computer in Canada'', Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, 2009.
- Stachniak, Zbigniew and Scott Campbell, Computing in Canada: Building a Digital Future, Transformation Series, Canada Science and Technology Science Museum, Ottawa, 2009.
- Campbell, Scott, "On the absence of obsolescence", Annals of the History of Computing, Oct-Dec 2009.
- Stachniak, Zbigniew and Scott M. Campbell, "Computing in Canada", Historical Assessment for Canada Science and Technology Museum, 2007.
- Scott M. Campbell, "Beatrice Helen Worsley: Canada's Female Computer Pioneer" IEEE Annals of the History of Computing, volume 25, no. 4 (Oct-Dec 2003), p.51--62. [download]
- Scott M. Campbell, "Review:`John N. Vardalas: The Computer Revolution in Canada: Building National Technological Competence''', Scientia Canadensis, volume 27, 2003.
Talks
- Campbell, Scott M. ```WAT' Forever: Computing Education at the University of Waterloo'', 2010 SIGCIS History of Computing Workshop, Society for the History of Technology, Tacoma, 3 October 2010.
- Campbell, Scott M. "Agendas and the Promise of Computer Science at the University of Toronto", 2009 SIGCIS history of computing workshop: Michael Mahoney And The Histories of Computing(s), Society for the History of Technology, Pittsburgh, 18 October 2009.
- Campbell, Scott M. "Jump Start: A brief history of J. Wes Graham, Water Skiing and Microcomputers, 1979-1985", Canadian Science and Technology Historical Association, XVI Conference, Quebec City, 26 September 2009.
- Scott M. Campbell, "Micro-What? Microcomputing at the University of Waterloo, 1979--1982", Canadian Science and Technology Historical Association XV Conference, Toronto, 12 October 2007. [abstract and slides]
- Scott M. Campbell, "A Short History of Analog Computers and Differential Analyzers", Joint Colloquium: Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, University of Toronto, 13 June 2007.
- Scott M. Campbell, "Why Johnny Couldn't Program: Obsolescence and the History of Computing'', Joint Session: Canadian Science and Technology Historical Association & Canadian Society for the History and Philosophy of Science, Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, York University, Toronto, 29 May, 2006. [abstract]
- Scott M. Campbell and Zbigniew Stachniak, "From Collecting to Curating: York University Computer Museum'', Canadian Science and Technology Historical Association Biennial Meeting, Ottawa, Ontario, Sept. 29-October 2, 2005. [abstract]
- Scott M. Campbell, "Computing Practices at the University of Toronto 1952-1958'', History and Philosophy of Science and Technology Graduate Student Conference: The Transmission of Knowledge, August 12, 2005. [abstract]
- Scott M. Campbell, ``Beatrice Helen 'Trixie' Worsley: Canada's Female Computer Pioneer'', York University Computer Museum Seminars, York University, Toronto, Ontario, October 27, 2004. [See article]
- Scott M. Campbell, "Early Computer Science at the University of Toronto, 1946-1964", Canadian Science and Technology Historical Association Biennial Meeting, Kingston, Ontario, October 2003.
- Scott M. Campbell, "The History of WATFOR and the Early Development of Computer Science at the University of Waterloo." Canadian Science and Technology Historical Association Conference Biennial Meeting, Kingston, Ontario, October 2001.
Teaching
- STV100 Society, Technology, and Values, University of Waterloo, Winter 2013, Fall 2012, Spring 2012, Winter 2012, Fall 2011, Spring 2011, Winter 2011, Fall 2010, Spring 2010, Winter 2010, Fall 2009, Spring 2009, Winter 2009, Fall 2008, Spring 2008, Winter 2008, Fall 2007
- STV203 Biotechnology and Society, University of Waterloo, Fall 2010, Fall 2009, Fall 2008.
- STV205 Cybernetics and Society, University of Waterloo, Winter 2010, Winter 2009, Winter 2008
- STV302 Information Technology and Society, University of Waterloo, Winter 2013, Fall 2007
- STV404 Technology in Canadian Society, University of Waterloo, Fall 2012, Fall 2011
- HPS202 "Technology in Modern World", University of Toronto January-April 2004
Copyright 2011 Scott M. Campbell