Dr. Nichola Dobson

Biography

Nichola Dobson is a leading scholar in Animation Studies with a notable presence in the academic community. From 2015 to 2019, she served as President of the Society for Animation Studies, where she championed the scholarship and practice of animation theory. She has been a founding editor of the online, peer-reviewed journal Animation Studies since its inception in 2006, and has continued this role with Animation Studies 2.0 since 2012. Her publications are extensive and include works such as Norman McLaren: Frames and the Animation Studies Reader. With a PhD from Queen Margaret University obtained in 2004, Dobson has taught at Edinburgh College of Art since 2010, engaging in research that delves into animation history, theory, and representation of marginalized communities in creative industries. She has presented keynote addresses at numerous international conferences and is currently developing impactful projects that further the discourse in animation and its cultural significance, including collaborations on Women in Creative Industries. Her research interests are broadened by her exploration of Scottish animator Norman McLaren and encompass topics like television animation, genre, performance, and identity.

Research Interests

Experience

Courses