I work as an independent historian and documentarian. Initially, my research focused on women’s history, but I have since redirected my efforts toward animal history (dýrasaga). My current work centers on the history of marine and freshwater wildlife and its vital contribution to Iceland’s natural heritage and biodiversity. With the pressing environmental challenges aquatic ecosystems face today, it has become increasingly crucial to grasp the historical context of aquatic wildlife to inform effective conservation efforts. This entails examining ecological interactions, understanding conservation challenges, and exploring the socio-cultural impacts of human relationships with Iceland’s unique aquatic environments. In my projects, I utilize film and photography to weave visual narratives and incorporate oral history methods to capture the rich tapestry of personal stories about human-nature interactions. This approach aims to give non-human life a voice and visual presence in historical accounts.
dalrunkalda@gmail.com
education / teaching
Since 2024 I started visiting elementary school students through my non-profit organization, Icelandic Aquatic Animals [Vatnaverur Íslands]. The aim is to teach children about aquatic species from historical, cultural, and biological perspectives. – See
2023 Part-time teacher at the University of Iceland. I taught the course Oral History (Munnlega saga). The course was designed to deepen students’ comprehension of oral history methodologies and theoretical frameworks, focusing on how these methods are used in environmental and gender history. – See
2022 University of Iceland, PhD in history
2017 University of Iceland, MA in history
2016 University of Iceland, BA in history
2013 University of Iceland, BA in film studies