Thomas Haigh

Thomas Haigh is a Professor of History (General) and Affiliate Professor in Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's College of Engineering & Applied Science. He holds a PhD in History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania, alongside MEng and BSc degrees in Computer Science from the University of Manchester.

His research focuses on the History of Information Technology, Business History, History of Work, History of Technology, and Media History. Key areas include the socio-technical evolution of computing, the interplay between technology and society, and the historiography of digital media. His work challenges conventional narratives about technological development, such as the myth of the 'First AI Winter' and explores the cultural dimensions of computing.

Haigh has authored or co-authored influential publications including A New History of Modern Computing (MIT Press, 2021) and edited volumes like Exploring the Early Digital (Springer, 2019). His research frequently intersects with contemporary issues like information literacy in conflict zones and the societal impacts of digital technologies.

His academic contributions span interdisciplinary collaborations, bridging computer science, history, and media studies. He maintains an active research profile, with recent work addressing artificial intelligence historiography and the digital ontology debates.