Curriculum Director — DataSoSi
About DataSoSi

Meet the Curriculum Director

Learn from one of Canada's leading AI researchers and educators — an interdisciplinary scholar-practitioner with expertise spanning AI, data science, the social sciences, accounting, and financial crime.

Our Story Vision & Mission Curriculum Director Meet the Team Our Approach Why DataSoSi?

Dr. Mark Lokanan, PhD

Curriculum Director · Professor · AI & Data Science Expert
Professor, Royal Roads University  ·  AI Researcher, Canadian Institute of Artificial Intelligence (CiAI)
Senior AI Strategist, Vedia Cloud Analytics  ·  AI Expert, Ducoexperts
Fraud Analytics Machine Learning Data Science Criminology Accounting Financial Crime AI Literacy Social Sciences
Background
About Dr. Lokanan

Dr. Mark Lokanan is one of Canada's leading experts in artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning. With an interdisciplinary background spanning computer science, sociology, criminology, accounting, and law and society, he brings a unique perspective that bridges advanced technology with human judgment and real-world application.

Rather than simply teaching learners how to use AI tools, Dr. Lokanan's approach emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, professional judgment, ethical decision-making, system-level thinking, and AI literacy. Learners are trained to work effectively in human–AI collaboration environments while developing the ability to critically evaluate data, question assumptions, and make decisions under uncertainty.

His philosophy is that every problem requires an interdisciplinary lens — effective AI solutions must integrate technical capability with human judgment and organizational context. The future will not be defined solely by those who build AI, but by those who can ask better questions, think independently, and apply AI responsibly to solve complex, real-world challenges.

Critical Thinking AI Literacy Ethical Reasoning Human–AI Collaboration Problem-Solving System-Level Thinking Professional Judgment
Academic Credentials
Academic Degrees
  • PhD
    Fraud Analytics
    Simon Fraser University
  • MA
    Sociology (Statistics)
    University of Guelph
  • MSc
    Computer Science — Applied Data Science
    Dublin
  • MSc
    Criminology — Network Graph and Link Analysis
    San Diego
  • MSc
    Forensic Accounting — Statistical Data Modelling
    Portsmouth
  • BA
    Sociology and Law
    York University
Professional & Specialized Certifications

Deep Learning for AI
Graduate Certificate · Carnegie Mellon University

Artificial Intelligence
Graduate Certificate · University of Texas

Artificial Intelligence Application
Certificate · Northwestern University

Machine Learning
Certificate · Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Data Science
Certificate · Emeritus Institute of Management

Microsoft Azure — Generative AI
Certificate · Microsoft

Data Analysis
Certificate · Microsoft

Cyber Security and AI Strategy
Certificate · Cornell University

Python for Machine Learning
Certificate · New York Academy

Machine Learning
Professional Certificate · IBM

Accounting
Advanced Certificate · McMaster University

Forensic Accounting
Advanced Certificate · BCIT

Professional Designations

Dr. Lokanan's designations reflect a rare combination of technical expertise and deep social and organizational insight — ensuring DataSoSi learners develop not only technical capabilities but also the critical thinking and professional judgment needed to operate effectively in an AI-driven world.

CAMS

Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist

CPA

Chartered Professional Accountant

CFE

Certified Fraud Examiner

Affiliations & Roles
Current Affiliations
Research & Impact
Research Expertise

As an accomplished researcher and educator, Dr. Lokanan's expertise lies at the intersection of fraud analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning — using advanced computational methods to detect financial crime, analyze criminal networks, and design responsible AI applications. His extensive body of research is widely cited and continues to inform both academic and professional practice.

Learners at DataSoSi benefit directly from his expertise, gaining access to cutting-edge methodologies, real-world applications, and a deep understanding of the intersection between AI, data, and society.

Google Scholar Profile Royal Roads Profile
Media Recognition & Research Excellence

Dr. Lokanan's work has captured the attention of national media, including coverage in the Times Colonist highlighting how his research team uses AI to uncover financial crimes and anomalies in supply-chain data. Read the article →

He has been called upon to provide expert insights on the role of AI in higher education and its broader impact on society, as featured in BCBusiness. Read the article →

Dr. Lokanan has secured numerous research grants, including funding from the Canadian government, to advance the use of AI in fraud detection and financial crime analytics. Learn more →