Lakehead University

Contract Lecturer, School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism

Contract Lecturer

School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism

Thesis Title: The Effectiveness of Environmental Communication with Scuba Divers: A Case Study Comparing the Curricula of BSAC, PADI and SSI Entry-Level Certification Course Manuals

About

My academic background and studies have taken an interdisciplinary approach to tourism, environmental impacts and the educational experiences of recreationists and tourists. Much of my work has focused on these relationships through the lens of SCUBA divers.

At the undergraduate level, my Honours Thesis examined scuba diving and dive tourism impacts on marine environments, which ultimately led into my Graduate Thesis work studying effective environmental communication with SCUBA divers.

In addition to my research on Dive Tourism, I also worked for Dr. Harvey Lemelin during my graduate studies. As a Research Assistant on his SSHRC funded project, I studied the current and historical barriers to insect conservation through content analysis of journal articles. As a Community Service Learning Project for Dr. Rhonda Koster’s graduate level course in Rural Community Tourism Development, I explored boater market segmentation and its implications for Marina Development in northern Ontario.
My current research interests center on the educational experiences of (volunteer) tourists and agricultural tourism. As such, I am involved in a number of projects, which although varied, relate to these and the research interests listed below.

I am an SSI certified Master Diver and when not working, I can be found traveling the world or hiking with my dog Kiera, paddling (canoe, kayak, SUP), snowshoeing or scuba diving in North Shore communities.

Research Interests
• Environmental Education & Volunteer Tourism, Educational Recreation & Tourism
• Heritage Tourism & Place and Space Identity
• Marine and Coastal Recreation and Tourism
• Monitoring and Mitigating Visitors, Recreationist and Tourism Behaviour
• Rural Community Tourism Development

Teaching
My teaching philosophy stems from a deep root belief in experiential education, student-centered learning and community service. As a student I found that the experiences which inspired and empowered me were in-class discussions and student-centered and student-driven learning exercises and assignments. Because of these experiences, I grew to view learning as a personal and lifelong process, inspired by key individuals and experiences.

To this end, I strive to: enact a servant leadership approach to teaching and learning, place an emphasis on the transformative nature of education, and place teaching and learning within the context of community engagement.  Students are therefore given opportunities to engage in practical and applied learning, in addition to traditional and theoretical learning, through the use of critical thinking, problem solving and case study assignments; the objectives of which are to inspire dedication to community and a lifelong commitment to education and critical thought.

Contact Information