David Medcalfe is an interdisciplinary researcher working at the intersection of artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity, law, and critical infrastructure protection. He is completing a Master of Information Studies at McGill University and is affiliated with the Data Mining and Security Lab, where his research examines how AI-enabled and agentic systems are reshaping security, accountability, and public trust in increasingly connected environments.

 

His work focuses on cybersecurity and governance challenges in critical infrastructure, including intelligent transportation systems, cyber-physical systems, software supply chains, and AI-enabled infrastructure. He is particularly interested in how institutions can govern complex digital systems when responsibility is distributed across governments, vendors, infrastructure operators, standards bodies, and automated decision-making systems.

 

David holds legal training in both civil and common law, including an LL.B., J.D., and LL.M. focused on critical infrastructure and global cyber threats. His research bridges technical, legal, and policy perspectives to explore responsible AI, technology governance, cybersecurity standards, lifecycle assurance, and organizational accountability.

 

A recipient of the Fonds de recherche du Québec Master’s Research Scholarship, David is also a trainee in the NSERC CREATE Responsible Artificial Intelligence and SECURE-AGRO programs. In 2026, he was selected as a Mila–Building 21 BLUE Fellow for his project examining how agentic AI systems embedded in critical infrastructure may transform cybersecurity risk, public power, and legal accountability.

 

Across his work, David seeks to develop practical governance approaches that preserve human agency, democratic oversight, and public trust as AI becomes increasingly embedded in essential services.

 

Critical Infrastructure in the Face of Global Cyber Threats

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Building21

 

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