College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Community Sustainability

Education

• PhD: 1986, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas: Recreation Resources Development (Emphasis Areas in Social Psychology and Interpretation/ Environmental Education/Communications)
• MEd: 1982, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas: Physical Education (Outdoor and Environmental Education emphasis)
• BS: 1975, University of Texas, Austin, Texas: Physical Education (Minors in Earth Science and Health)

Major Areas of Scholarship (often integrating two or more of the following)

• Interpretation of natural, cultural and historic resources
• Use of interpretation and communications as a resource management tool
• Maritime heritage and coastal resources management
• Cultural and heritage tourism (including role of interpretation)
• Community-based tourism development (US and international)
• Sustainable community development (including tourism, ecotourism)
• Museum studies

Academic Experience

• 1998 – 2023: Associate Professor, Departments of PRTR (1998 – 2003); Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies (CARRS, 2003 – 2014); Community Sustainability (2014-2023), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
• 1992 – 1998: Assistant Professor, Department of Park, Recreation & Tourism Resources (PRTR), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
• 1988 - 1992: Assistant Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning, Leisure Studies & Resources Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
• 1986 - 1988: Assistant Professor, Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies (RLS), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
• 1986: Instructor, Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Certifications

• Certified Interpretive Trainer (National Association for Interpretation)
• Certified Interpretive Guide (National Association for Interpretation)
• Certified Interpretive Host (National Association for Interpretation)
• Certified Heritage Interpreter (National Association for Interpretation)
• Tutor – international (Nautical Archaeology Society), Levels I and II, underwater archaeology

Advisory & Steering Committees at MSU

• Great Lakes Culture Program
• Museum Studies Program
• Zoo and Aquarium Science Program
• Women’s Advisory Committee to the Provost

Study Abroad Programs

• Australia: Mass Media, Environment and Cultural Issues (2006-2007)
• Anguilla, British West Indies: Integrated Marine Resource Management & Coastal Tourism (1998 - 2000)
• India: Ecology of the Mountains (Himalayas) (2007-2023)

Other International Involvement

• Canada, especially related to maritime resources (1994-2003)
• Micronesia (2004-2014)
• Malaysia (2005)
• South Korea (2007, 2008, 2014)
• Nepal (2005, 2010)
• Taiwan (2006, 2010, 2023)
• Indonesia (2013, 2018)