About me

I have the privilege of working at the University of Iceland, where the continuous pursuit and sharing of knowledge fosters intellectual openness and broadens perspectives across disciplines.

In my teaching, I have led courses focusing on citizenship and the active participation of children and young people in both political and social contexts. I have also taught courses on youth risk behavior and resilience, examining the risk and protective factors that shape young people’s life trajectories and can have implications for their future well-being. A central emphasis in my teaching is the importance of strengthening protective factors and providing timely support to children facing challenges, with the aim of increasing their opportunities to thrive despite adverse circumstances. Key themes throughout my work include early intervention, the timely mobilization of appropriate resources when signs of distress or risk behavior emerge, and support for young people in recognizing and developing their strengths. Together with valued colleagues, I have also taught courses on human rights, volunteering, and child well-being.

My research reflects these core areas of interest and is grounded in strong collaboration with practitioners and community partners. For example, I have worked with municipalities, government ministries, and public sector institutions such as The Directorate of Education and School Services, The Icelandic Police, and the Directorate of Health, as well as non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross and UNICEF.

Education

2017 – 2019

University of Iceland, School of Education
Postgraduate Diploma in University Teaching

2009 – 2016

University of Iceland, School of Education
PhD in Education

2007 – 2009

University of Iceland, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences
MA in Pedagogy and Education

1998 – 1999

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
School of Public Health

1987 – 1992

University of Iceland, Faculty of Law
Cand. jur. (Professional Degree in Law)

1982 – 1986

Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík
Matriculation Examination
(Upper Secondary School Diploma)

Academic and Professional Positions

2018–Present

University of Iceland, School of Education
Associate Professor (2024– )
Assistant Professor (2018–2024)
Specialities: Youth civic awareness and engagement
Youth well-being and resilience

2009–2018

University of Iceland, School of Education
Adjunct I (2016–2018)
Part-time Lecturer (2009–2016)

2012

The Catholic University of America
Visiting Scholar, Department of Psychology

2007–Present

University of Iceland
Researcher, Centre for Research on Children and Youth Lifestyles

2002 – 2013

Municipality of Garðabær
Town Councilor / Town Council Member

  • 2011–2013: Election Committee
  • 2010–2013: Town Council
  • 2010–2013: School Board
  • 2008–2010: Committee on Life Skills Education in Compulsory Schools (Chair)
  • 2007–2008: Committee on Integration of School and Leisure Activities
  • 2006–2010: Planning Committee
  • 2006–2007: Steering Group on Prevention Policy (Chair)
  • 2005–2006: Working Group on School Policy Revision
  • 2002–2006: Building Committee
  • 2002–2010: Prevention Committee (Chair)

2003 – 2005

University of Iceland
Director of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Nursing

2001 – 2007

Sjónlag Eye Clinic
CEO

1996 – 2001

Residency in the United States

1992 (02–07)

Office of the District Magistrate of Reykjavík
Legal Counsellor, Auction Department

1992 – 1994

Office of the District Commissioner of Reykjavík
Legal Counsellor, Family Law Division

Professional Experiences and Leadership Roles

2025–Present

University of Iceland
University Council

2025–Present

Ministry of Education and Children
Board member in a Steering Committee on Parental Education, Project “Fellowship of Children”,

2023 – 2024

Ministry of Education and Children & School of Education, University of Iceland
Board member, Committee on Parent Education

2023–Present

University of Iceland
The Icelandic Research-Network on the Wellbeing of Children and Families (ICEWELL) 
Board Member on behalf of the School of Education

2023

Ministry of Education and Children & University of Iceland
Principal Investigator for the Icelandic Youth Study

2022

Ministry of Education and Children
Member of the Consultative Group on Draft Legislation on School Services

2021 – 2023

Child Participation for Europe (CP4E)
Expert Group Member

2020 – 2022

University of Iceland, School of Education
Chair, Programme in Education Studies

2020 – 2022

Ministry of Education and Children
Advisory Group on National Prevention Initiative for Children and Youth (Alternate Member)

2018 – 2021

University of Iceland
Board member, University Teaching Committee

2018 – 2021

University of Iceland
Chair, Teaching Committee, School of Education

2018 – 2025

University of Iceland
Programme Committee in Education Studies, Department of Education and Diversity (Chair 2020–2022)

2019

Icelandic Journal of Education
Editorial Board, Special Issue in Honor of Professor Emerita Sigrún Aðalbjarnardóttir

2019

Ombudsman for Children (Iceland)
Board member, Advisory Group for the Children’s Parliament

Professional and Voluntary Activities

2023–Present

Delta Kappa Gamma – International Society for Women in Education
Vice Chair, Gamma

2017–Present

Icelandic Red Cross
Volunteer, Frú Ragnheiður Harm Reduction

2008–2017

Humanitarian Fund Fatimusjóður
Legal Advisor; Chair of the Board

2014–Present

Association of Moral Education

2005–2008

Parents’ Council, Sjálandsskóli

2002–2004

Chair, Parents’ Association, Flataskóli