Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management

My research focuses on the role of out-of-school time recreation (e.g., sport, summer camps, after-school programs) in positive youth development, and on the development of active lifestyles in youth and young adults.

My main interests are around values and experiential learning. I am particularly interested in expeditions and the kinds of experiences that people report to be significant.

Deanna is the administrative assistant for the RPTM Undergraduate Program and the RPTM Facilities Coordinator.

The purpose of my research is to understand ways to support people who encounter challenges to experiencing leisure. I teach about inclusive leisure services, leisure philosophy and theories, and research methods.

Laura is the academic adviser for the RPTM undergraduate program.  

My research interests focus on biodiversity conservation, sustainable community development, and nature-based tourism. I explore these themes through the lenses of environmental anthropology, the anthropology of tourism, and conservation psychology.

My focus is on the support and development of undergraduate students as they develop the career path in RPTM.  I oversee advising, engaged learning activities, professional skill development and internship in the department.

My work is committed to the protection of souls of Black youth. I work with communities to understand how the racial identities of Black youth are shaped and the seek to understand how recreation can be leveraged to positively impact this process.

Skylar is the academic adviser for the Shaver's Creek and RPTM undergraduate programs.

My research focuses on national parks and protected areas, transboundary conservation area management, human and wildlife co-existence, and the impacts of tourism on biodiversity conservation and community development.

I take pride in helping students find their passion through education and mentoring, encouraging exploration and learning at Penn State and beyond.

My research strives to improve understanding of communication strategies aimed at influencing human and environmental health regarding protected areas.

I intertwine my research on in and out of classroom experiences (mostly, international) with my teaching approach by bringing the out-of-class learning experience into the classroom.

I serve as an Associate Teaching Professor and Director of the PGA Golf Management Program. Our goal is to mentor and educate future alumni and PGA Members. Since 1997, I have mentored over 600 students who are now alumni.