Areas of Interest
Human dimensions of natural resource management, policy, and recreation management.
Teaching
Students working with me come from a variety of backgrounds, but generally have an interest in psychology, social-psychology, environmental studies, natural resource management or planning. The projects we work on involve multiple partners, a variety of research methodologies, as well as opportunities to engage with professionals across geographic and academic areas.
Research
My primary research interests focus on the human dimensions of natural resource management, particularly in recreation and nature-based tourism settings. In partnership with national forests, parks and other nature-based attractions, I study the recreation experience, its outcomes, and the subsequent opportunities and challenges for management, planning and policy. Most recently, my work has focused on the impact of terrestrial invasive species on visitor preferences, diverse populations and their constraints, as well as constraints to physical activity on public lands. I also work on a variety of applied consumer research projects to support and sustain Minnesota's tourism industry including sustainable tourism and general market research.