Andrew McDonald

Andrew McDonald is a Professor in the Department of History at Brock University's Faculty of Humanities, specializing in medieval British Isles history with particular expertise in medieval Scotland and the Isle of Man. His research focuses on Late Norse maritime empires of the British Isles, especially the medieval Norse sea kings of the Isle of Man between 1079 and 1265.

McDonald's research interests span Medieval History, British Isles History, Norse Maritime Empires, Scottish History, Isle of Man History, Gender Studies in Medieval Context, and Maritime Kingdoms. His current work examines gender, power, and historical writing in the Kingdoms of Man and the Isles, building on his extensive publications in this field.

His scholarly output shows a consistent focus on the Norse-Gaelic world of the Irish Sea region, with publications ranging from detailed studies of specific kingdoms to broader examinations of maritime societies during the Viking Age. McDonald's work demonstrates how these maritime kingdoms functioned as important political and cultural entities that connected disparate regions across the North Atlantic.

• Faculty of Humanities Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Activity (2022)
• Brock University Chancellor's Chair for Research Excellence (2004-2007)
• Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching (2007)
• Shortlisted for Saltire Society's History Book of the Year Award (2019)

Professor McDonald has successfully bridged academic research and public engagement through projects like 'The Age of the Sea Kings' stamp collection collaboration with the Isle of Man Post Office and his TED-Ed animation 'The rise and fall of the Kingdom of Man,' which has reached over 1.2 million viewers. His work demonstrates a commitment to making specialized historical knowledge accessible to broader audiences while maintaining scholarly rigor.