Michael Shamos

Michael Shamos is a Distinguished Career Professor in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, holding appointments in the Software and Societal Systems Department and Language Technologies Institute. He serves as Director of the M.S. in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation program and previously directed the MSIT eBusiness Technology Program from 2002-2018. Shamos also directs the Universal Library project, which has sponsored the scanning of over 1.5 million books.

His educational background includes an A.B. in Physics from Princeton University (1968), M.A. in Physics from Vassar College (1970), M.S. in Technology of Management from American University (1972), M.S. and M.Phil. in Computer Science from Yale University (1973-1974), Ph.D. in Computer Science from Yale (1978), and J.D. from Duquesne University (1981).

Shamos is a pioneer in Computational Geometry, having co-authored the first book in the field with Franco Preparata. His research spans electronic voting systems, where he has served as statutory examiner for Pennsylvania and other states, participating in over 120 voting system examinations. He has testified before Congress and multiple state legislatures on electronic voting security. His work in eBusiness technology includes developing the story-centered curriculum approach for technology education. Shamos also maintains expertise in intellectual property law, having practiced as an attorney specializing in computer-related intellectual property.

His scientific contributions include significant work in electronic voting security assessment, with publications analyzing voting system vulnerabilities and proposing security improvements. He has also contributed to computational geometry, privacy engineering, and digital marketing technologies.

• Industry Service Award of the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America (1996)
• Black and White Scotch Achiever's Award (1991) for contributions to bagpipe musicography

Shamos has served as an expert witness in over 360 cases involving computer technology, providing testimony on electronic voting systems, intellectual property, and computer security. His work with the Universal Library demonstrates his commitment to digital preservation and access. In addition to his academic work, he has founded multiple technology companies including Unilogic, Ltd. and Lexeme Corporation, demonstrating strong industry connections and entrepreneurial spirit.

His leadership extends to the Billiards community, where he serves as Curator of The Billiard Archive and Contributing Editor of Billiards Digest magazine, having authored multiple books on billiard history and technique.