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
University of Iceland, School of Education
Postgraduate Diploma in University Teaching
University of Iceland, School of Education
PhD in Education
University of Iceland, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences
MA in Pedagogy and Education
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
School of Public Health
University of Iceland, Faculty of Law
Cand. jur. (Professional Degree in Law)
Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík
Matriculation Examination
(Upper Secondary School Diploma)
Academic and Professional Positions
University of Iceland, School of Education
Associate Professor (2024– )
Assistant Professor (2018–2024)
Specialities: Youth civic awareness and engagement
Youth well-being and resilience
University of Iceland, School of Education
Adjunct I (2016–2018)
Part-time Lecturer (2009–2016)
The Catholic University of America
Visiting Scholar, Department of Psychology
University of Iceland
Researcher, Centre for Research on Children and Youth Lifestyles
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)
University of Iceland
Director of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Nursing
Sjónlag Eye Clinic
CEO
Residency in the United States
Office of the District Magistrate of Reykjavík
Legal Counsellor, Auction Department
Office of the District Commissioner of Reykjavík
Legal Counsellor, Family Law Division
Professional Experiences and Leadership Roles
University of Iceland
University Council
Ministry of Education and Children
Board member in a Steering Committee on Parental Education, Project “Fellowship of Children”,
Ministry of Education and Children & School of Education, University of Iceland
Board member, Committee on Parent Education
University of Iceland
The Icelandic Research-Network on the Wellbeing of Children and Families (ICEWELL)
Board Member on behalf of the School of Education
Ministry of Education and Children & University of Iceland
Principal Investigator for the Icelandic Youth Study
Ministry of Education and Children
Member of the Consultative Group on Draft Legislation on School Services
Child Participation for Europe (CP4E)
Expert Group Member
University of Iceland, School of Education
Chair, Programme in Education Studies
Ministry of Education and Children
Advisory Group on National Prevention Initiative for Children and Youth (Alternate Member)
University of Iceland
Board member, University Teaching Committee
University of Iceland
Chair, Teaching Committee, School of Education
University of Iceland
Programme Committee in Education Studies, Department of Education and Diversity (Chair 2020–2022)
Icelandic Journal of Education
Editorial Board, Special Issue in Honor of Professor Emerita Sigrún Aðalbjarnardóttir
Ombudsman for Children (Iceland)
Board member, Advisory Group for the Children’s Parliament
Professional and Voluntary Activities
Delta Kappa Gamma – International Society for Women in Education
Vice Chair, Gamma
Icelandic Red Cross
Volunteer, Frú Ragnheiður Harm Reduction
Humanitarian Fund Fatimusjóður
Legal Advisor; Chair of the Board
Association of Moral Education
Parents’ Council, Sjálandsskóli
Chair, Parents’ Association, Flataskóli