I am a human dimensions specialist in the School of Natural Resources. I use social science to research ways to reduce human impacts on natural resources and to improve natural resource management. Whether through survey research, environmental education, communications, or nature-based tourism and recreation, I measure and explore how to influence conservation behavior through knowledge, attitudes, values, and connection to nature. My research has included developing a scale to measure people's connection to nature, the impact of wildlife watching, measuring attitudes toward bats, leadership issues, exploring visitors' connection to nature and using benefits-based management for outdoor recreation.

 

My interests in environmentally responsible behavior lies in developing educational programs and communication messages that will successfully lead to desired behaviors. Encouraging desired behaviors such as water conservation, defensible space for fire management, and habitat management can be more effective when studying and applying successful communication and education techniques. I have also conducted visitor studies looking at visitor motivations, attitudes, connection to nature and the impact of visitor programs on learning.

 

Education

 

• PhD - University of Florida, Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism: Human Dimensions 

• MS - Miami University, Ohio, Environmental Science 

• BA - University of Central Florida, Social Psychology 

• Teacher certification. Ohio State University

 

Prior Positions

 

• Manager/Naturalist, Daggerwing Nature Center, Palm Beach County, Florida

• Program Coordinator/Life Science Teacher, Cincinnati Zoo Academy.

• Contract Researcher United States Forest Service North Central Research

• Agricultural Naturalist  Cincinnati Nature Center

• Assistant Professor, Hospitality Restaurant and Tourism Management UNL.

• Teaching & Research Asst, University of Florida (taught evaluation, park mgt)

• Teaching & Research Asst. Miami University (taught statistics)