Curt B. Davidson, Ph.D. (he/him/his)

University of Wyoming

Curt.Davidson@uwyo.edu

307.223.5878

Education Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Leisure Behavior

Minor Concentration: Educational Inquiry Methodology

Graduation Date: May 2016

Indiana University, Bloomington

• Dissertation Title: Building character through Adventure Education: A study of levels of grit and resilience in Outward Bound Students

Master of Science in Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management

                  Graduation Date: May 2011

                  Indiana University, Bloomington

• Thesis Title: The Development of social support through Adventure Education between fathers and sons

Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management

Graduation Date: May 2005

Indiana University, Bloomington

Courses Delivered

*Number denotes the number of sections taught

*O = Online, P = In-Person, H=Hybrid/Hyflex

Courses delivered at the University of Wyoming

            ORTM 2800: Introduction to Outdoor Leadership (2) (P)

            ORTM 3050: Operations, Management, and Environmental Stewardship (2) (P, H)

            ENR 4890: Expedition Leadership (1) (P)

Courses delivered at California State University

Rec 480 Philosophy of Recreation and Leisure (2) (P, O)

Rec 435 Human Dimensions and Management in Experiential Education (2) (P, O)

Rec 434 Outdoor Adventure Programming and Leadership (2) (P, H)

Rec 431 Recreation Resource Management (10) (P, O, H)

Rec 430 Recreation and the Ocean Environment (H)

Rec 337 Outdoor Education and Interpretation (3) (P, H)

Rec 247 Techniques of Rock Climbing (2) (P, H)

Rec 243C Desert Expeditions (2) (H)

Rec 244 Kayaking (4) (P, H)

Rec 242 Backpacking (4) (P, H)

Rec 201 Teamwork and Group Dynamics (5) (P, H)

Courses delivered at Western Colorado University

Roe 510 Call of the Wild: Experiential Teaching in K-12 Settings (P)

Educ 510: Behavioral and Mental Health Strategies that Work (P)

Courses delivered at Indiana University

* All courses taught in person

Rec 521 Adventure Education Facilitation

Rec 520 Organizational Leadership of Leisure Services

Rec 515 Special Concerns with Parks and Recreation

Rec 513 Outdoor Adventure Programming: Foundations and Theories (2)

Rec 413 Outdoor Adventure Programming (2)

Rec 385 Wilderness and Protected Lands (2)

Rec 380 Outdoor Experiential Education: Instructional Techniques (2)

Rec 350/550 Client Management in Experiential Education

Rec 272 Recreation Activities and Leadership Methods

Out 143 Ice Climbing (4)

Out 135 Rock Climbing (6)

Out 115 Leave No Trace

Out 110 Expedition Leadership

Professional Experience

University of Wyoming: August 2022 – Present

            Laramie, Wyoming

            Responsibilities

As an assistant professor, my role involves delivering the curriculum through the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. My areas of focus include health, adventure education, resource management, and the natural environment. In addition to this, I contribute to the university and profession through various service avenues, which are outlined below. Furthermore, I serve as the director of the EXPLORE Lab to pursue my research interests in mental health, outdoor learning experiences, e-learning, and other topics related to outdoor recreation and experiential education. For more specific details on my research, please refer to the research section.

California State University – Long Beach: August 2017 – May, 2022

            Long Beach, California

            Responsibilities

Assistant professor responsible for delivering curriculum via the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies in areas surrounding health, adventure education, resource management, and the natural environment. Additionally, I serve the university and profession through several avenues outlined below in the service section. Finally, I have continued my research track in mental health, outdoor learning experiences, e-learning, and other topics related to outdoor recreation and experiential education (see research section for specific details).

Alpenglow Education Consulting: January 2015-Present

            Responsibilities

Founder and President of the company, which provides research and evaluation, grant writing, and staff training for experiential and alternative education institutes and programs. Alpenglow is also the entity under which I created the Behavioral First Responder Certification (BFR). The BFR is a mental and behavioral healthcare certification and training course for experiential educators to promote mental health and wellness and techniques on mitigating and managing behaviors in the field.

Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) Academic Appointment: August 2013 – May 2016

            Indiana University, Bloomington

Responsibilities

I served as a classroom and field instructor for this immersion semester, focusing on outdoor leadership. Experiences included courses in Hoosier National Forest and a 21-day expedition to Utah, among others. I developed curricula for five classes focusing on foundational adventure education theories and practices, leadership, and outdoor living skills. My administrative responsibilities include budgeting, hiring a program coordinator, and assisting field instructors.

Outdoor Adventures Academic Appointment: 2010 – 2011

            Indiana University, Bloomington

Responsibilities

Wrote curricula for over 50 1-unit skills-based adventure courses. Mentored 60 – 80 student field instructors within the Outdoor Adventures program. Assisted in instructor performance evaluations. Administrative responsibilities included planning outings, arranging transportation, logistics, and scheduling.

 Wilderness Instructor: Summers 2010 – Present

            Outward Bound California & Northwest Outward Bound School

Responsibilities

Instructed wilderness-based character development courses in California and Oregon. Mentored Assistant Instructors offering leadership development and feedback. Responsible for managing risk while in the field. Duties included facilitating personal growth and development through challenge and discovery.

Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education Program Coordinator: 2007 – 2009

            Indiana University, Bloomington

Responsibilities

Coordinated a semester-long outdoor leadership program for Indiana University. Duties included marketing, recruiting, instructing, hiring staff, curriculum development, budgeting, financial management, and teaching 19 students during the semester. Instructed five undergraduate courses and four graduate courses delivered through the program. Responsible for teaching the seven experiential learning components: backpacking, caving, outdoor living, mountaineering, canyoneering, rock climbing, and whitewater canoeing.

Senior Wilderness Instructor: Summers 2007 – Present

Summit Adventure, Bass Lake, CA

Responsibilities

Facilitated mountaineering and rock-climbing courses with special attention given to character development. Supervised the Ecuador mountaineering and service program: Fiscal management, logistics coordination, and course delivery for college-aged participants. Mentored assistant instructors, offering feedback and opportunities for skill development.

Indiana University Outdoor Adventures Instructor: 2006 – 2016

            Indiana University, Bloomington

Responsibilities

Instructed courses and training for college credit through the outings program. Courses included instructor development and training programs designed to develop soft skills such as facilitation techniques and leadership development. Courses taught hard skills necessary for mountaineering, rafting, rock climbing, and ice climbing and were conducted throughout the United States.

Wilderness Instructor for SOAR: Summers 2006 – 2013

            Wyoming, North Carolina, & California

Responsibilities

Worked as an instructor, activity specialist, and course director for an organization that tailors adventure programs to kids with ADD, ADHD, and LD issues. Worked primarily in Wyoming, North Carolina, and California, where duties ranged from managing instructional staff, budgeting, and facilitating sea kayaking, surfing, and rock climbing courses.

Wilderness and Mountaineering Ranger, Inyo National Forest: Summers2004 -2005

            Lone Pine, California

Responsibilities

            Employed for two summers as a wilderness and mountaineering ranger in the eastern Sierra of California. In addition to expedition-based work, this position facilitated bear management and educational programs and had interpretation duties in local area campgrounds ranging from resource management to environmental stewardship.

Professional Certifications and Training

• Hyflex Course Design Certification Training (Completed August 2021)
• Quality Matters Course Design (Completed September 2020)
• Accessible Instructional Materials Program (Completed Spring 2018)
• Leave No Trace Ethics Master Educator Certification (2005-no expiration)
• Wilderness First Responder (2005-Present)
• CPR (2002-Present)
• American Mountain Guide Association: Single Pitch Instructor (2007-Present)
• Avalanche AIARE Level 1 (2012-Present)
• Avalanche AIARE Level 2 (2017-Present)
• Wilderness Education Association Certified Instructorship (2007-Present)
• American Canoe Association: Level 1 Instructor (2007-Present)

Professional Honors

• Elected to serve as the Costa Rica Study Abroad Faculty Member (2019)
  • This course did not run due to COVID-19 Restrictions

Service

• Director of the CSULB Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Laboratory (2021 – Present)
• Wilderness Studies Program Coordinator (2017- Present)
• Outdoor Recreation Option Coordinator 2017-(Present)
• Recreation and Leisure Studies Social Justice Task for Committee Member (2020 – Present)
• California State University, College of Health and Human Services Faculty Council (2019-Present)
• Recreation and Leisure Studies Department Designated “Technology Champion” (2020 – Present)
• ● Symposium for Experiential Education Research, Association for Experiential Education Co-Chair (2019-Present)
• ● Adventure Research Lab Founding Member (2009-Present)
• ● Recreation and Leisure Studies Graduation & David Gray Celebration co-coordinator (2020)
• Scholarship Committee for Recreation and Leisure Studies Chair (2019)
• Scholarship Committee for Recreation and Leisure Studies Member (2018)
• Hiring Committee for Recreation and Leisure Studies Faculty (2018)
• College of Health and Human Services Scholarship Committee Chair (2019-2020)
• College of Health and Human Services Scholarship Committee (2018-2019)
• Mark Freeman Master’s Thesis Committee Member (2017-(2018)
• Chair of Mubbashir Saiyed Grade Appeal Committee (2018)
• Club Advisor: Recreation Society (2017 – 2018)
• Club Advisor: Outdoor Adventure Club (2017 – Present)
• Reviewer: Journal of Experiential Education (2011-Present)
• Reviewer: Journal of Leisure Research (2017-Present)
• Reviewer: Journal of Leisure Research (2017 – Present)
• Reviewer: Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership (2016 – Present)
• Reviewer: California Parks and Recreation Society (2018)

Graduate Student Mentees

• Rachel Gunn Car – Master’s Committee Chair. Project: Dry Canyon Preservation and Use Study. (2022-Present)
• Natalie Johansen – Maser’s Committee Member (2023-Present)
• Anna Cirimele – Master’s Thesis Committee Member (2021-Present)
• Shannon Case-Alvarez – RLS Masters Student (2019-Present)
• Becca Wallingford – University of Wyoming Master’s Thesis Committee (2019-2020)
• Andrew Zimmerman – RLS Masters Student (2018-2020)

Undergraduate Student Mentees

• Zachary Bearden – Work study student helping to start the Conservation in Outdoor Recreation immersion semester at the University of Wyoming 2023-2024
• John Howe – Honors Capstone Project 2023-2024
• Jason Aflague – Undergraduate Honors Thesis Supervisor 2018

Ongoing Research Projects

Mental Health Outcomes Resulting from Adventure Education Participation

• This project collaborates with the Northwest Outward Bound School and is designed to measure the mental health benefits resulting from participation in Adventure Education Programming. This project focuses specifically on mental health variables impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• This project is in the data collection phase.

Mental Healthcare Skills Among Experiential Educators

• This project seeks to examine knowledge, gaps, and potential opportunities among experiential and outdoor educators and their understanding of mental health and behavior management mitigation techniques. By reviewing the skillsets of these individuals, I hope to assess gaps in knowledge for the field that prevent the promotion of mental and behavioral health.
• This project is in the data analysis phase.

Environmental Health Attitudes after Outdoor Recreation on Public Lands

• This project explores students’ environmental and health attitudes who have participated in short-term adventure experiences on public lands. Ecological and health attitudes will be assessed using a qualitative instrument. Subjects will then be given discretionary money that they can keep, donate to public land, or donate to their chosen environmental causes. This effort will gauge readiness to act on these constructs.
• This project is currently in the funding acquisition stage.

E-learning and Hybrid Educational Experiences for Public Land Use

• This project is in collaboration with the Grand Canyon National Park and the Inyo National Forest. The goal is to design cost-effective e-learning and hybrid course experience for individuals before attaining climbing or river use permits at selected natural resource locations.
• Stakeholders are currently co-creating the curriculum for the e-learning course. We’re also designing the research methods by which we’ll measure the program’s success, including satisfaction surveys and other means of measuring environmental ethics (e.g., human waste collection and disposal quantities).
• Both host agencies have approved this project. Data collection will begin in March 2022

Books

Ewert, A., & Davidson, C. (2017) Behavior and Group Management in Experiential Education. LondonRoutledge Publications. Routledge Publishing.

Davidson, C., (2012) The Outdoor Facilitators Handbook. Go for Broke Publications. Lee Vining, California.

Book Chapters

Davidson, C., Ghezzi, S.E., & McCoy, D. (Forthcoming). Ecotourism in higher education: A model in interdisciplinary program design. In T.A. Foerster, J.L. Koprowski, and Mars, M.M. (Eds.), The Current and Future State of Eco-Entrepreneurship: An Interdisciplinary Primer, Advances in the Study of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Growth, Vol. 30, Emerald Publishing.

Journal Publications

Davidson, C., (2023) The Seeds of Change: Antecedent Variables and their Impact on Building Grit and Resilience through Outdoor Adventure Education. Journal of Adolescence (In Review)

Ewert, A., Davidson, C., Frankel, J., & Direnzo, A. (2023) Experienced and Inexperienced Staff: Exploring the Differences. Journal of Experiential Education. (In Press)

Davidson, C., & Eaton, W., (2023) Via Ferrata in the United States: History, Opportunities, Challenges, and Needs. Journal of Environmental Management (In Review)

Eaton, W., & Davidson C., (2023) Cliff Notes: How place and technology meanings shape conflict around outdoor recreation development. Western Confluence. https://westernconfluence.org/cliff-notes/

Davidson, C., Whitacre J., (2022) Under the Influence: How Technology Influences Adventure-Based, Winter Recreation Users’ Decision Making. Journal of Leisure Research (In Review)

Davidson C, Ewert A, & Zwart R, (2022) By Land or Sea: Exploring Motivations for Outdoor Adventure Activities in a College Student Population. Journal of Outdoor Education and Adventure Learning

Ewert A, Davidson C. (2021) After the Plague: Revisiting Experiential and Adventure Education Outcome Variables After Covid-19. Journal of Experiential Education.44(2):104-120. doi:10.1177/1053825921992388

Ewert, A., Zwart, R., & Davidson, C. (2020). Underlying Motives for Selected Adventure Recreation Activities: The Case for Eudaimonics and Hedonics. Behavioral Sciences, 10(12), 185. doi:10.3390/bs10120185

Davidson C, Ewert A. (2020) College Student Commitment and Outdoor Orientation Programming. Journal of Experiential Education.43(3):299-316. doi:10.1177/1053825920923709

Davidson C. (2020) Book Review: Daredevil Dissection: Review of Buzz! Inside the Minds of Thrill Seekers Daredevils and Adrenaline Junkies. Journal of Experiential Education doi:10.1177/1053825920939311

Davidson, C. (2020). Engaging Lesson Plans. In A. Ewert & K. Gilbertson (Eds.), Outdoor Education: Methods and Strategies. Volume 2. Human Kinetics

Chang Y, Davidson C, Conklin S, & Ewert A. (2019) The impact of short-term adventure-based outdoor programs on college students’ stress reduction, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 19:1, 67-83, DOI: 10.1080/14729679.2018.1507831

Hines, R., Davidson, C., Zwart, R., & Ewert, A. (2019). Exploring Motivations and Constraints of Minority Participation: College Outdoor Adventure Programs. Research in Outdoor Education, 17, 59–81. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1353/reseoutded.17.2019.0059

Davidson, C., & Whitacre, J., (2018) Perceptions of rescue time and the influence on decision making while skiing in avalanche terrain. The Avalanche Review, 38(1), 50.

Whitacre, J., & Davidson, C. (2018). Kodak courage rekindled. The Avalanche Review, 37(2), 48.

Zwart, R., Davidson, C., & Ewert, A., (2018) The Role of University Outdoor Recreation Programs: The Conclusion of a Multi-Phased, Multi-Method Research Study. In Association for Outdoor Recreation Education Conference Proceedings

Ewert, A., Davidson, C., & Zwart, R. (2017) The role of university outdoor recreation programs: The conclusion of a multi-phased, multi-method research study. Association of Outdoor Recreation Education: Conference Proceedings (31)

Davidson, C., Ewert, A., & Chang, Y. (2016). Multiple Methods for Identifying Outcomes of a High Challenge Adventure Activity. Journal of Experiential Education, 39(2), 164–178. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053825916634116

Davidson, C., & Ewert, A. (2012). Enhancing Social Support through Adventure Education: The Case of Fathers and Sons. Research in Outdoor Education 11, 63-73. doi:10.1353/roe.2012.0006.

Oral Presentations

Ewert, A., & Davidson, C., (2024) The impact of Adventure Education on Cognitive Flexibility and Intolerance to Uncertainty. Coalition for Education in the Outdoors. Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Davidson, C., & Ewert, A., (2023) Exploring Mental Health Outcome Variables in Outdoor Adventure and Experiential Education. Association for Experiential Education International Conference. Madison, Wisconsin.  

Davidson, C., Rohn, K., Norton, C., McConnell, H., & Croft., B (2023) Mental Health and Experiential Education: Challenges, Opportunities, Practices, and Considerations. Association for Experiential Education International Conference. Madison, Wisconsin.  

Davidson, C., & Gudeman, B., (2023) Effective Preparedness and Response to Wildfires: Best Practices in Staff Training. Association for Experiential Education International Conference. Madison, Wisconsin.  

Gudeman, B., & Davidson, C., (2023) Wildfire Response and Staff Training Considerations: Best Practices for Effective Preparedness and Response. Wilderness Risk Management Conference. Portland, Oregon.

Davidson, C., & Ewert, A., (2021) Why Take a Chance: Towards a Framework for Motivation for Outdoor Adventure Activities. Coalition for Education in the Outdoors. Asheville, North Carolina.

Davidson, C., (2021). Mental Health Preventative Programming: Systematic Prevention Techniques. Presentation to the Western Regional Outdoor Leadership Conference. Virtual.

Davidson, C. (2020). Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Presented at the Association for Outdoor Recreation Education Conference. Virtual.

Davidson C., & Wallingford, (2020). Supportive Intervention Strategies. Presented at the Association for Experiential Education Conference. Virtual.

Davidson C., & Wallingford, B (2020). Behavioral First Responder Certification Course. Presented at the Wilderness Risk Management Conference. Virtual.

Davidson, C., Fulthorp, K., & Robertson, T. (2019). Outdoor Programming and the CSU system: Challenges and Opportunities. Presentation submitted to the CSU Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Educators Retreat. Pescadero, Ca.

Davidson, C., Fulthorp, K., & Robertson, T. (2019). Engaging technology in Recreation and Leisure Coursework. Presentation submitted to the CSU Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Educators Retreat. Pescadero, Ca.

Davidson, C., & Ewert, A. (2019). Mental Health and Resilience in Experiential Education: Identifying a Path Forward. Presentation made for the Association for Experiential Education and Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education. Spokane, Wa.

Davidson, C. (2019). Behavioral First Responder Certification Pre-Conference Workshop. Presentation made for the Association for Experiential Education and Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education. Spokane, Wa.

Ewert, A., Davidson, C., & Zwart, R. (2017). The role of university outdoor recreation programs: The conclusion of a multi-phased, multi-method research study. Presentation made for the Association of Outdoor Recreation Education. Roanoke, VA.

Davidson, C (2017). A return to character education: Grit and resilience in Outward Bound students. Presentation made for the Association of Experiential Education Conference. Montreal, Canada.

Fulthorp, K, & Davidson, C (2017). Duct Tape Team Building. Workshop presented at the California Parks and Recreation Society. Long Beach, CA.

Ewert, A., Chang, Y., Davidson, C., & Hines, R., (2016). Examining the adventure experience from multiple perspectives: Psychological, observational, and biophysical. Presentation made for the Coalition for Outdoor Education. Martinsville, In.

Ewert, A., Davidson, C., & Hines, R (2015). Identifying changes in participants’ level of stress during a high challenge activity: Using physical biomarkers and psychological measures. Presentation made for the Association for Outdoor Recreation Education. Atlanta, Ga.

Chang, Y., Davidson, C., Hines, R., & Ewert, A. (2015). An introduction to the use of technology and biomarkers for Outdoor Adventure Education research. Paper presented at the Symposium for Experiential Education Research, Portland, Oregon.

Ewert, A., Davidson, C., Chang, Y., & Hines, R, ((2015). Biomarkers, boosters, and videography: Exploring emergent techniques in research in Experiential Education. Workshop Presentation at the Association for Experiential Education. Portland, Oregon.

Ottley, G. & Davidson, C. (2015). Lessons from leaving: An examination of early dismissal and departure data from Outward Bound, California. Poster presented at the Wilderness Risk Management Conference, Portland, Oregon.

Davidson, C, and Ottley, G. (2014). Examining outdoor training and certification standards by incident data. Poster presented at the Wilderness Risk Management Conference. Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Davidson, C., (2014). Sociological rationale for incorporating adventure education into traditional school systems. Presentation at the Adventure Research Symposium. Bloomington, Indiana.

Ewert, A., Scheinfeld, D., & Davidson, C. (2013). Extending the effects of Experiential Education Programs through post-course interventions. Workshop Presentation at the Association for Experiential Education. Denver, Colorado.

Davidson, C., & Ewert, A. (2012). Choosing the right glue: Investigating the effect of adventure-based activities on the relationship between fathers and sons. Paper presented at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors, Bradford Woods, Martinsville, Indiana.

Davidson, C., Overholt, J., & Ewert, A. (2011). Investigating the relationship between father-son relationships and participating in Adventure Education Poster session presented at Symposium for Experiential Education Research. Jacksonville, Florida.

Davidson, C., & Overholt, J. (2011). Exploring the bonds of father-son social support in Adventure Education. Paper presented at the Adventure Research Symposium, Bloomington, In. 

Ewert, A., Davidson, C., Overholt, J., Luo, Y., Billingham, R., & Bishop, C. (2011, May 18-21). Retying the knot: Enhancing father/son relationships through Adventure Education. Paper presented at the 13th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, Niagara, Ontario, Canada.

Whitacre, J., Davidson, C., & Smucker, D. (2011, May 2). Exploring personal risk management outcomes of short-term adventure programming on college students. Paper presented at the Adventure Research Symposium, Bloomington, Indiana.

Whitacre, J., Davidson, C., Smucker, D., Kim, K., & Ewert, A. (2011, November 3-6). Exploring personal risk management outcomes of short-term adventure programming on college students. Paper presented at the Symposium for Experiential Education Research, Jacksonville, Florida.

 

Speaking Invitations

Title: Discovering and Sustaining an Outdoor Adventure Career: Living the Dream

Host: Adventure Education Conference

Date: November 5th, 2021

Reach: Anticipated attendance is ~250

Title: Interactive and Experiential Modalities for Online Teaching in the Time of the Pandemic Webinar

Host: Association for Experiential Education

Date: April 3^rd, 2020

Reach: 116 Live, 1001 on YouTube

Title: Experiential Online Learning using Flipgrid

Host: California State University

Date: August 18th, 2020

Reach: 42 Live, 89 on YouTube

Poster Presentations

Ottley, G. & Davidson, C. (2015). Lessons from leaving: An examination of early dismissal and departure data from Outward Bound, California. Poster presented at the Wilderness Risk Management Conference, Portland, Oregon.

Davidson, C, and Ottley, G. (2014). Examining outdoor training and certification standards by incident data. Poster presented at the Wilderness Risk Management Conference. Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Davidson, C., Overholt, J., & Ewert, A. (2011). Investigating the relationship between father-son relationships and participating in Adventure Education Poster session presented at Symposium for Experiential Education Research. Jacksonville, Florida.

Grants Pending

Grants Awarded

1. Research and Travel Award from the Global Engagement office at the University of Wyoming, $4,000

Project Title: The Future of Via Ferrata Climbing in the United States

Role: Principal Investigator

Project Description: This project sought to utilize data collected from Via Ferrata climbers throughout Europe and explore their motivations, constraints, and other contributing factors to Via Ferrata usage.

2. Research, Scholarly, and Creative Award CSULB 2021, $5,000

Project Title: E-Learning for Grand Canyon National Park River Rafters

Role: Principal Investigator

Project Description: This project explores the use of e-learning in winners of the Grand Canyon noncommercial river lottery process. Users will complete an e-learning course before rafting the river to educate them on best practices. We’ll then measure the satisfaction and efficacy of the e-learning experience.

• Instructionally Related Material Application $47,910.00

Project Title: Wilderness Studies Development and Instructional Material Fund

Role: Principal Investigator

Project Description: This funding will support the removal of barriers for racial and ethnic minority participation in outdoor programming on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. Funding will be used to supply equipment, personnel, and rental options to support the effort of increasing access to outdoor programming through the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies.

4. Research, Scholarly, and Creative Award CSULB 2021, $5,000

Project Title: E-Learning for Grand Canyon National Park River Rafters

Role: Principal Investigator

Project Description: This project explores the use of e-learning in winners of the Grand Canyon noncommercial river lottery process. Users will complete an e-learning course before rafting the river to educate them on best practices. We’ll then measure the satisfaction and efficacy of the e-learning experience.

5. Research, Scholarly, and Creative Award CSULB 2021, $4,650

Project Title: E-learning and the Regulation of Public Land Visitor Behavior

Role: Principal Investigator

Project Description: This project seeks to examine if e-learning can impact public land use on California’s Mount Whitney as well as implications for e-learning design and implementation for land managers.

6. Research, Scholarly, and Creative Award CSULB 2020, $5,000

Project Title: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Project

Role: Principal Investigator

Project Description: This project seeks to establish teaching modalities and uses for unmanned aerial vehicles and the field of outdoor recreation.

7. Student Excellence Funds 2020, $30,046

Project Title: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Laboratory

Role: Principal Investigator

Project Description: This project connects students with the technology used for outdoor recreation purposes (e.g., monitoring wildlife with unmanned aerial vehicles).

8. Research, Scholarly, and Creative Award CSULB 2019, $5,000

Project Title: Faculty Multimedia Equipment

Role: Principal Investigator

Project Description: This project sought to obtain the latest multimedia tools to produce high-quality, engaging, online learning content for experiential learning components for students. This project included drones, go pros, and the requisite equipment to make engaging original content. 

9. Research, Scholarly, and Creative Award CSULB 2018, $3,600

Project Title: Wilderness Freshman Orientation Trips and Student Readiness: Assessing the effectiveness of a unique type of orientation program

Role: Principal Investigator

Project Description: This project seeks to establish the relationship between Outdoor Orientation Programming and College Student Readiness. We are currently awaiting this award to assist with data analysis.

10. Association for Experiential Education 2015, $10,000.

Project Title: Bridging the gap: Examining the effects of short-term adventure-based programs in college environments.

Role: Project Manager

Project Description: The Adventure Research Team and I developed this project to examine leisure constraints, participant motivations, and outcomes of participation in university-based outdoor recreation programming both off and on campus.

11. Leisure Research Institute (Indiana University Bloomington) 2011, $3,000.00

Project Title: Using multiple methods to investigate the learning process during in-situ and semester-long activities of an Adventure Education Program.

Role: Project Manager

Project Description: I and colleagues at Indiana University developed this project to examine high challenge activities and the components that create a learning environment in those moments for Adventure Education Participants. This study also examined stress reduction through contact with the natural environment as measured by biomarkers.

12. Leisure Research Institute (Indiana University Bloomington) 2015, $2,630.21

Project Title: Strengthening the bond: Investigating the relationship between father-son communication and participation in Adventure Education

Role: Project Manager

Project Description: This project was undertaken as my master’s thesis project and examined levels of social support in father-son dyads before and after participating in Adventure Education Programming.

Grants Not Awarded

1. 2022 Preservation Technology and Training Grants National Park Services ($20,000)

Project Title: E-Learning for Stewardship  

Role: Principal Investigator

Project Description: This grant supplements a university grant on the same topic. The federal grant will supply the material needed to build the eLearning course and web hosting services necessary for completing the project in three years.

• Hydro Flask Parks for All program for CSULB Wilderness Studies $10,000

Project Title: Parks for All Grant

Role: Principal Investigator

Project Description: This funding from this project will remove the most significant barrier to participation for our students: the cost. Our students are often low-income, first-generation college students who cannot afford the extra burden of participation in campus recreation activities. Through this funding, we will essentially remove this burden by purchasing equipment the students would otherwise have to rent.

3. Department of Transportation National Scenic and Historic Trails Grant 2017, $200,000

Project Title: Beach to Mountains Trail Maintenance and Learning Project

Role: Project Manager

Project Description: This project sought to develop the recreation resource management course into a working laboratory for students at California State University, Long Beach. If funded, this award would be used to transport students to local National Scenic and Historic Trails, facilitate trail work, and collect data on selected aspects of connection to the natural environment. Funds would also be utilized for the purchasing of equipment and supplies necessary for this project.