I am an Associate Professor in Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire. My program of research focuses on the reciprocal relationship among leisure and identity from late adolescence into adulthood. Specifically, my program of research includes two major areas of focus: (1) examining the relationship between leisure, identity development, and health in recreation programs and contexts, and (2) understanding leisure’s relation to educational, occupational, and personal identity.
My research is theoretically grounded in the seminal work of Erikson, who described adolescence as a critical period for identity development. I make unique contributions to leisure scholarship by using neo-Eriksonian psychosocial identity-based models and theories. Utilizing these theories provides information on how and why identity relates to patterns of leisure attitudes, behaviors, and outcomes, and further substantiates leisure/recreation as an important developmental context supporting identity and health outcomes across the lifespan. I use this theoretical foundation to communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary research partners focused on adolescent and human development, including those working in campus/community recreation and activities, health prevention and counseling, education, and workforce development.
My areas of teaching include 1) the role of leisure recreation in human development, 2) leadership skills and career identities of future recreation leaders, and 3) research-oriented classes, and 4) conceptual foundations of leisure. Aligning with the indicators of student engagement (National Survey on Student Engagement, 2020), I design my courses with academic challenge, learning with peers, positive interaction with faculty, and a supportive learning environment so that future professionals can solve complex problems, work effectively with others, interact in professional environments, and build community both within and beyond the classroom.
