David J. Gunkel

Biography

Short Bio (100 words)

David J. Gunkel is an award-winning educator, scholar, and author, specializing in the philosophy and ethics of emerging technology. He is the author of over 80 scholarly articles and book chapters and has published twelve internationally recognized books, including Thinking Otherwise: Philosophy, Communication, Technology (Purdue University Press 2007), The Machine Question: Critical Perspectives on AI, Robots, and Ethics (MIT Press 2012), Of Remixology: Ethics and Aesthetics After Remix (MIT Press 2016), and Robot Rights (MIT Press 2018). He currently holds the position of Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Communication at Northern Illinois University (USA). More info at http://gunkelweb.com

Longer Bio (200+ words)

David J. Gunkel is an award-winning educator, scholar, and author, specializing in the philosophy and ethics of emerging technology. He is the author of over 80 scholarly articles and book chapters and has published twelve internationally recognized books: Hacking Cyberspace (Westview Press 2001), Thinking Otherwise: Philosophy, Communication, Technology (Purdue University Press 2007), Transgression 2.0: Media, Culture and the Politics of a Digital Age (Continuum 2011), The Machine Question: Critical Perspectives on AI, Robots, and Ethics (MIT Press 2012), Heidegger and Media (Polity 2014), Of Remixology: Ethics and Aesthetics After Remix (MIT Press 2016), The Changing Face of Alterity: Communication, Technology and Other Subjects (Rowman & Littlefield 2016), Robot Rights (MIT Press 2018), Gaming the System: Deconstructing Video Games, Game Studies and Virtual Worlds (Indiana University Press 2018), How to Survive a Robot Invasion: Rights, Responsibilities and AI (Routledge 2019), An Introduction to Communication and Artificial Intelligence (Polity 2020), and Žižek Studies: The Greatest Hits (So Far) (Peter Lang 2020). He has lectured and delivered award-winning papers throughout North and South America and Europe and is the founding co-editor of the International Journal of Žižek Studies, associate editor for continental philosophy at Philosophy & Technology, and founding co-editor of the Indiana University Press book series Digital Game Studies. Dr. Gunkel currently holds the position of Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Communication at Northern Illinois University. His teaching has been recognized with numerous awards, including NIU's Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2006 and the Presidential Teaching Professorship in 2009.

Employment History

Northern Illinois University, 1996-Present: Professor, Department of Communication (Tenured)

Design and implement courses for both graduate and undergraduate students in computer-mediated communication, philosophy of technology, information and communication technology, and Internet studies. Develop and implement undergraduate courses in interactive media, web design and programming, instructional media, and computer/digital media ethics. Held the administrative position of Director of Graduate Studies. Served on all major departmental committees (curriculum, personnel, graduate studies, etc.). Representative to the Illinois Articulation Initiative. Academic adviser for graduate and undergraduate students. Director and reader of graduate theses and dissertations. Awarded early tenure and promotion to Associate Professor in 2001, promoted to Professor in 2008, and awarded Presidential Teaching Professor in 2009.

Carthage College, 1994-1996: Assistant Professor, Department of Communication (Tenure Track)

Developed and implemented an innovative undergraduate program in communication that synthesized liberal arts education with the study of information and communication technology. Developed and implemented a three-semester, general education course in interdisciplinary humanities and cultural studies for adult-learners. Faculty representative on the college Media Board and member of the Information Services Advisory Council. Faculty adviser to the student radio station, WAVE – FM. Instructor and curriculum co-designer for interdisciplinary general education. Facilitator at faculty development seminars addressing general education, media literacy, and multicultural education.

DePaul University, 1991-1992: Lecturer, Department of Philosophy

Developed and implemented introductory courses in the history of philosophy and ethics.

Sargent & Lundy Engineers, 1986-1994: Media Communications Director

Wrote, produced, and edited video and interactive multimedia programs in support of electric-power engineering and design efforts. Served as the primary media consultant on domestic and international design projects in Korea, China, Eastern Europe, and Canada. Assisted in the development of bilingual programs for transfer of technology, audio/video applications for computer-aided engineering and virtual reality walk-through, and technical education programs for engineers and designers. Provided technical support for the Electric Power Research Institute's (EPRI) State-of-the-Art Power Plant (SOAPP) project, an award-winning, interactive program for power engineering.