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.

Matt teaches several of the core course in RPTM focusing on recreation management. He also oversees the internship program for the Penn State PGA Golf Management students, and teaching in the player development program.

Priscilla is the administrative assistant for the RPTM Graduate Program and for Faculty Affairs.

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.

Marcella is the administrative coordinator for RPTM.  She manages the operational, gift and research finances, HR related processes, supervises full and part time administrative staff and serves as the Department Head's assistant.

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.

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

Peter Newman is Professor and Head of the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management with a joint faculty appointment in the Graduate Degree Program in Acoustics. Peter Newman studies visitor management in parks and related areas.

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

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

I am an applied social scientist with expertise in park, protected area, and tourism capacity management; regional experience in US public lands, west Nordic nations (Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands), Russia, Ukraine, and Oman.

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.

Infusing her experience in event and program management, marketing and international education into the classroom, Kristin aims to inspire students to push themselves academically.

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.