Faculty and Staff

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.

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.

I am an Assistant Teaching Professor with RPTM, where I combine a passion for experiential learning with other two decades of professional and instructional experience. I am dedicated to supporting student success both in and out of the classroom.

Eric oversees all of the functions of the Golf Teaching & Research Center, including research projects, player development programs, club fittings, golf instruction classes for the Penn State PGA Golf Management students, and detailed swing analysis for the general public.

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.

Drew works to ensure that AURORA’s operations and staff development run smoothly. He believes strongly in the power of outdoor recreation as a community-building and leadership-development tool and seeks to engage students in meaningful outdoor experiences.

I teach courses related to sustainability and environmental education. My research focuses on how individuals and family groups learn in non-formal educational settings, including outdoor spaces and nature centers.

Dan is the Head of Coaching and Player Development in the Golf Teaching and Research Center. He also teaches a general education requirement golf courses for KINES.

Dr. Milazzo is an interdisciplinary tourism and leisure scholar whose research focuses on examining the popular culture practices of ageographic communities to address the socio-culture impact of tourism on the world.

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.

KP is the Event Planner for the PGA Professional Golf Management program and the RPTM department. She also runs our social media accounts and assists with PGA PGM administrative duties.

Managing communications and marketing needs for the College of Health and Human Development. Serving as the Lead Communicator for the School of Hospitality Management and the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management.

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.

I enjoy teaching students how to enhance the quality of life of those we serve through community events and inclusive programming.

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.

Mitchell serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor and Internship Coordinator of the PGA Golf Management Program.

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.

Stephanie is the administrative assistant for the RPTM Graduate Program.

Nicole Webster, Ph.D., is the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Faculty Affairs in the College of Health and Human Development at Pennsylvania State University.

I serve as a Teaching Professor and Director of the PGA Golf Management Program. My goal is to mentor and educate current students to help them become alumni and PGA Members. Since 1997, I have mentored over 700 students who are now alumni.