 Dr. Vardalas is
the Outreach Historian at the
History Center. He has a B.S. in
physics, and M.Sc. in mathematical physics,
and M.A. in geography (economic)
and Ph.D. in history. His general research
interests lie at the intersection
of political economy, business history and
the history of technology. His
1996 doctoral dissertation was awarded the
best thesis award by the Canadian Historical Association.
With Dr. Norman Ball, Dr.
Vardalas wrote Ferranti-Packard: Pioneers
in Canadian Electrical
Manufacturing, (Montreal: McGill-Queens
University Press, 1994). His
recent book A History of the Computer
Revolution in Canada: Building National
Technological Competence.
(Cambridge, Mass: The MIT Press, 2001) won
the American Association for
History and Computing best book award for
2002. Dr.
Vardalas' current research interests now
focus on the U.S.A. He is
working on a history of a once very
prominent firm in the
computer industry - the Control Data
Corporation. The object of
this study is to look at two broad sets
of questions. At the level
of the firm, he is exploring the nature
and dynamics of
technological competence. How does it
arise? How is sustained? And
how is it lost? At the national level,
he is examining the
technical, social, economic, and
political underpinnings of U.S.
technological leadership in the global
computer industry during the
years 1945 to 1990.
He enjoys downhill skiing
and other outdoor activities. He has
become very fascinated by sailing - both
as a participant and as an
historian. He loves the challenge of
racing small sailboats in San
Francisco Bay. Dr. Vardalas looks
forward to the day when he can
write the social/business/ technical
history of the world's sailing
industry. His wife, Dr. Karen Lapsley,
shares his passion for
skiing and sailing. In fact, she
introduced him to these
activities.
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