Tom has degrees in Physics, the Integrated Science Program, and Information Technology from Northwestern University and believes that privacy preserving identity infrastructures are critical to a free and open Internet. His information technology experience in education began under the guidance of his father, an educator and consultant to school districts near Chicago. This background enabled Tom to work independently to help pay for college, followed by working in grades kindergarten through higher education since before Mosaic. He has developed and managed networks and software interesting to science and education communities.
His non-profit work includes serving on the board of the Swan Conservation Trust, which conserves the hardwood forests and watersheds of the remaining nearby Highlands. His family is learning how to live sustainably and peacefully in a community in rural Middle Tennessee. Tom is the founder of Dragonacea, LLC.