Dr. Donald Cowan is Distinguished Professor Emeritus, School of Computer Science and Director, Computer Systems Group (CSG), University of Waterloo. CSG’s research focuses on software related to web-based and mobile systems. CSG has created over 80 operational web-based and mobile systems for partners ranging from NGOs, businesses, universities, research centres, healthcare organizations and to all types of governments, including First Nations groups and the United Nations. Professor Cowan was the founding Chairman of the Computer Science Department at the University of Waterloo. He holds a BASc in Engineering Physics, an MSc and a PhD in Applied Mathematics and an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Guelph. He received the Waterloo Award in 2009, the City of Waterloo's highest civic honour for contributions to the Waterloo community and the Grand Cross of Scientific Merit, Brazil’s Highest Civilian Scientific Honour in 2007. He is also an ACM Distinguished Scientist.