Ian Watson — Brief CV

Principal affiliation

Bifröst University (Iceland) — Associate Professor of Social Sciences (since 2014; Instructor from 2005-2007, Assistant Professor from 2007-2014)

Gjøvik University College (Norway) — Associate Professor in the Media Technology Laboratory (since 2014)

Reykjavík Academy — Member

Degrees received

Ph.D., 2005, Rutgers University, Department of Sociology. Adviser: Eviatar Zerubavel. Thesis on the standardization of sets.

M.A., 1999, Rutgers University, Department of Sociology.

A.B., 1993, Harvard College. Major in Linguistics with Scandinavian and German.

Teaching

Icelandic Language and Culture for exchange students (Bifröst University, fall 2010, spring 2012, fall 2012, spring 2013, fall 2013, spring 2014, fall 2014, spring 2015).

Philosophy of Science for social science students (Bifröst University, fall 2008, spring 2010, spring 2012, spring 2013, spring 2014).

Game Theory for social science students (Bifröst University, summer 2007, fall 2010, fall 2012).

Information Design, Iceland Academy of the Arts (co-taught with Hörður Lárusson, 2008-2012, 2014).

International Typography for graphic design students (Iceland Academy of the Arts, 2009, 2010).

B.A. thesis adviser, Iceland Academy of the Arts, graphic design program (1-2 theses per year, most years since 2005).

Independent study supervisor for exchange students (Bifröst University, 2005-2006).

Guest lecturer for Holland America Lines (cruise to Norway, Svalbard, Iceland, Scotland, 2006).

Tour guide, Rick Steves' Europe, Edmonds, Washington (1998-2005). I lectured on the history and culture of Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands.

Introduction to Sociology, Rutgers University — Teaching assistant, 1997.

Other employment

2009-present: Dagsbrún Library at the Reykjavík Academy (various part-time roles).

2008-2014: Bifröst University – Editor of the scholarly journal Samtíð (previous title until 2013: Bifröst Journal of Social Science).

2007-2013: Product reviews, website administration, and other projects for Iceland's Consumer Spokesman and for the Consumers' Association of Iceland.

2005-2007: Bifröst University – International Programs Coordinator.

2006-2007: University of Iceland – International Programs Coordinator, Department of Nursing.

1993-present: Rick Steves' Europe — guidebook author, tour guide, group tour planner.

1989-1992: Let's Go travel guides — researcher/writer, editor.

Languages spoken

Icelandic (fluent), German (good), French (competent), Italian (functional), Polish (modest but usable), Russian (modest but usable), Hungarian (limited), Chinese (limited); Swedish/Danish/Norwegian (reading).

Service and memberships

Board of Directors of the Consumers Association of Iceland (2008-2014; executive board 2010-2012).

Member of Iceland's official committee on metrology (2012-2014).

Representative on a committee established by the Icelandic Parliament to recommend changes in the legislation surrounding mail-order commerce, 2013.

Chair of the Board of Directors of the Dagsbrún Library (since 2010).

Previously: Treasurer of the Icelandic branch of the English-Speaking Union (2013-2014); Board of Directors of the Icelandic-American Business Forum (2007-2012; vice-chair 2007-2008, chair 2008-2009 and 2010-2011); Advisory Board of the Icelandic Consumer Spokesman; Rotary Reykjavík International (2007-2011).

Personal

Married and the father of three young children.