Faculty and Research

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.

Black Reed’s research focuses on the role of out-of-school time programs in promoting justice-oriented youth in marginalized populations and how these programs can foster social consciousness and positive development.

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.

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 teaching and research interests focus on state and community park and recreation services in terms of their funding and their health outcomes.

I am interested in investigating the marketing, the economics, and the benefits of the travel and tourism phenomenon with data analytics.

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.

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.

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

Stephanie is the administrative assistant for the RPTM Graduate Program.