Dr. Virginia Bacay Watson joined the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies as assistant professor in July 2004.  Her areas of interest include the science and technology policy, Southeast Asia security, renewable energy and water security. 

Dr. Watson has held appointments at the University of Denver and Colorado School of Mines, and served as an exchange faculty for the University of Colorado in Beijing, China, as well as a consultant for various organizations.  Courses she has taught include science and technology issues in Asia, renewable energy technology, Southeast Asia, and international politics and security. She is currently working on two books:  “Governance in Asia: Issues in Emerging Technologies” and “Taming River Rivalries” (co-author).  

Dr. Watson is a native of the Philippines, where she obtained her bachelor’s degrees in Asian studies and management of financial institutions.  She holds a master’s degree in Asian studies from Cornell University and a doctorate in international studies (in the field of comparative politics) in the areas of international technology assessment and management and public policy from the University of Denver.  She is fluent in Tagalog and Ilonggo and conversant in Japanese and Spanish.