Academic Interests and Professional Background
John N. Parker focuses on understanding the social organization of science, creativity, work, and emotions. He investigates how scientists can collaborate to become more creative, and how to accelerate the use of scientific information in natural resource management. Before moving to the University of Oslo, he co-directed the US National Science Foundation's funding programs in Science & Technology Studies, Ethical and Responsible Research, and Dynamics of Integrated Socio-Environmental Systems. He was a Senior Fellow at Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University and has consulted for environmental research organizations such as the Stockholm Resilience Center and the Decision Center for a Desert City.
Courses Taught
Social Dimensions of Science and Technology
The Sociology of Creativity and Innovation
The Sociology of Small Groups
The Sociological Imagination
The Social Psychology of Attraction
The Sociology of Science and Technology in Russia
The Human Event
Cultural Encounters
Awards
National Science Foundation Directors Award (2020) for meritorious service in promoting research ethics.
National Science Foundation Directors Award (2019) for meritorious service in establishing the Rules of Life Ideas Lab for Creating a Simple Cell
Teacher of the Year (2013) at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University
Appointments
University of Oslo
Associate Professor, 2021-Present
United States National Science Foundation
Funding Program Director, 2018-2020
Science and Technology Studies
Ethical and Responsible Research
Coupled Natural-Human Systems
Arizona State University
Senior Fellow, Barrett Honors College, 2011-2018
University of California at Santa Barbara
Postdoctoral Fellow, National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 2008-2011