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.

My research focuses on promoting community and individual well-being in low-wealth urban areas.

I teach about inclusive leisure services, leisure philosophy and theories, and research methods.

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.

Darla is an integral part of the entire Penn State PGA Golf Management Program.

Undergraduate advisor for the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management.

My interests lie at the intersections environmental anthropology, the anthropology of tourism, and conservation psychology.

My research focuses on mainly on social science aspects of parks and conservation area management. Areas of inquiry include visitor use management, visitor behaviors, human-wildlife relationships, and environmental communication (interpretation/education).

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

I strive to develop research-driven solutions to crises that address reduction, readiness, response, and recovery issues in local, national, and global tourism communities.

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.