Leadership
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Matthew Brownlee, PhD
Director and Principal Investigator Matt Brownlee is an Associate Professor of Parks and Conservation Area Management at Clemson University. He is a faculty member in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management and a Research Fellow at the Clemson University Institute for Parks. Dr. Brownlee’s inter-disciplinary research links outdoor recreation, park planning, and resource management. His applied research provides information to help park and protected area professionals manage visitor experiences while evaluating the reciprocal linkages in complex social-ecological systems (SES). Within parks and the SES context, Dr. Brownlee examines numerous phenomena, including a) park visitor behavior and thresholds of use, b) people’s interactions with and attachments to climate-sensitive and climate-impacted environments, and c) SES dynamics. Dr. Brownlee specializes in research design and analytical methods, specifically related to applied social science research in parks and protected areas. He often uses methods that transcend traditional concentration areas and degrees, including advanced quantitative modeling, experience sampling, social network analysis, cognitive mapping, GPS tracking, GIS applications, and participant employed photography. Dr. Brownlee maintains expertise in Structural Equation Modeling and advanced quantitative methods used in applied research. His research generally incorporates student learning and addresses a pertinent management need in addition to unanswered academic questions. |
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Jeffrey Hallo, PhD
Director and Principal Investigator Jeff Hallo is a Professor in Clemson University’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. He also currently serves as the Associate Dean for academic policy and program effectiveness in Clemson University’s Graduate School. Jeff’s research and teaching are focused on understanding, planning for, and managing visitor use in parks, forests, and other protected areas. He has authored or coauthored over 80 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, books, or book chapters on these topics. He was an interviewed expert for news articles appearing in The Washington Post, National Geographic, Delta Sky Magazine, The Conversation, PBS News, and WalletHub. His work has specifically focused on applied studies of visitor use management and visitor capacity; community-based tourism planning; human dimensions of natural resources (with a focus on wildlife); motorized recreation (e.g., boating, OHVs, scenic driving); and night-based resources and recreation. Jeff’s projects have occurred at numerous U.S. national park units, U.S. wildlife refuges and reserves, U.S. national forests, FERC-licensed reservoirs, state parks in several states, and in protected areas in Jordan, Puerto Rico, and Kenya. Many of these projects support formal planning efforts and documents. The overall intent of Jeff’s work is to ensure that we sustainably and appropriately use parks, tourism sites, and protected areas for public enjoyment. |
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Robert Powell, PhD
Director and Principal Investigator
Robert B. Powell is the George B. Hartzog, Jr. Endowed Professor in Philosophy, Parks, and Environmental Ethics in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University. He is also the Director of the Institute for Parks, which is an interdisciplinary institute focused on providing research, training, and outreach to support park and protected area management. With graduate degrees from Yale University, his research and outreach program has taken him to over 40 countries and 6 continents and focuses on environmental education/interpretation, ecotourism, protected areas, and the human dimensions of biodiversity conservation.
Director and Principal Investigator
Robert B. Powell is the George B. Hartzog, Jr. Endowed Professor in Philosophy, Parks, and Environmental Ethics in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University. He is also the Director of the Institute for Parks, which is an interdisciplinary institute focused on providing research, training, and outreach to support park and protected area management. With graduate degrees from Yale University, his research and outreach program has taken him to over 40 countries and 6 continents and focuses on environmental education/interpretation, ecotourism, protected areas, and the human dimensions of biodiversity conservation.
Research Team
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Benjamin Fowler
Project Coordinator and Graduate Research Assistant Benjamin Fowler is a PhD Student in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. Ben obtained his MS in Natural Resources (2019) from the University of Georgia. His research centers on multi-method approaches to understanding human dimensions of natural resource management and outdoor recreation planning within social-ecological systems. In particular, he focuses on water trail systems and development, recreational stewardship, and GIS methods for visitor use management for rivers, parks and other protected areas. Ben builds on his experiences working as the Director of Stewardship for the Georgia Conservancy (501c3) and the Graduate Assistant to the University of Georgia’s Outdoor Recreation Program. Ben’s hobbies include adventuring with his wife and son, paddling and mapping new water trails, camp cooking, being a coffee snob and eating burritos. |
Hsuan Hsieh
Project Coordinator and Graduate Research Assistant
Hsuan Hsieh is a Ph.D. student in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University. Originally from Taiwan, she earned her master’s degree in Forestry from National Taiwan University, where she studied the health benefits of the forest therapy program, particularly its impact on cognitive functions in older adults. Her current research focuses on forest therapy and nature and health, examining how campus-based programs can enhance student well-being, social connectedness, and pro-environmental attitudes. At Clemson, she leads a one-credit Leisure Skills course, Relaxation in Nature—a forest therapy class that engages students in guided outdoor activities, sensory immersion, and reflective journaling. This teaching is directly connected to her role as Principal Investigator of the Green Safety Net of Nature Rx project, funded by the REI Cooperative Action Fund grant, which advances Clemson Campus Nature Rx initiatives and expands access to innovative, campus-based wellness programs. She is also a certified forest therapy guide in both Taiwan and the U.S. and has led over 100 guided sessions worldwide. Combining her practitioner experience and research expertise, she works to bridge global forest therapy practice and scholarship. Hsuan enjoys leading forest therapy walks, hiking, gardening, and cooking.
Project Coordinator and Graduate Research Assistant
Hsuan Hsieh is a Ph.D. student in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University. Originally from Taiwan, she earned her master’s degree in Forestry from National Taiwan University, where she studied the health benefits of the forest therapy program, particularly its impact on cognitive functions in older adults. Her current research focuses on forest therapy and nature and health, examining how campus-based programs can enhance student well-being, social connectedness, and pro-environmental attitudes. At Clemson, she leads a one-credit Leisure Skills course, Relaxation in Nature—a forest therapy class that engages students in guided outdoor activities, sensory immersion, and reflective journaling. This teaching is directly connected to her role as Principal Investigator of the Green Safety Net of Nature Rx project, funded by the REI Cooperative Action Fund grant, which advances Clemson Campus Nature Rx initiatives and expands access to innovative, campus-based wellness programs. She is also a certified forest therapy guide in both Taiwan and the U.S. and has led over 100 guided sessions worldwide. Combining her practitioner experience and research expertise, she works to bridge global forest therapy practice and scholarship. Hsuan enjoys leading forest therapy walks, hiking, gardening, and cooking.
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Louis Santiago
Project Coordinator and Graduate Research Assistant Louis Santiago is a Ph.D. student in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. He is originally from Puerto Rico and most of his work has been focused on invasive species management, reintroduction of endangered species, and designing visitors' learning experiences in protected areas. His research interests include visitor education strategies, visitor use management, sustainable trails, and interpretative planning. Currently, Louis is studying visitors’ and community perceptions of forest use and the level of involvement in management and planning. As a forest therapy guide and Leave No Trace Master Educator, he is passionate about providing experiences that aim to support human well-being and inspire responsible recreation. Louis's hobbies include backpacking and playing Bomba drums, an Afro-Puerto Rican instrument. |
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Innocent Kahigana
Project Coordinator and Graduate Research Assistant Innocent Kahigana is a Ph.D. student in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. He is originally from Rwanda and holds an MS in Sustainable Development from Uppsala University in Sweden. His research and teaching take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the direct impacts of human-nature interactions within socioeconomic and ecological contexts. He is specifically interested in the profound study of habitat conservation, conservation enterprise, wildlife damage compensation, community livelihood security, conservation governance, and ecorecreation enhancement. Innocent’s experience in human-wildlife interaction, conservation education, and eco-business advisory inspired him to bridge the gap between actionable insight and solution generation for conservation conflicts in and around national parks and other protected areas. His extracurricular activities include undertaking excursions with his family to protected areas and watching documentaries about wildlife and their habitats. |
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Kale Wernsing
Project Coordinator and Graduate Research Assistant Kale Wernsing is a M.S. graduate student in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. Originally from southwestern Wisconsin, they attended Iowa State University for their undergraduate studies where they received a bachelor's of science in environmental science and geology. They have worked at both the state and federal levels as a public lands manager and have held positions as an interpretive ranger, a naturalist, and an invasive plants manager in 18 state and national parks across the United States. Kale's research interests involve the management of public lands; more specifically, they are interested in how managers are using empirical data to make decisions on policy and infrastructure, how and if agencies are preparing employees for their positions, and how trainings can improve the experiences of both managers and visitors to public lands. In their free time, Kale enjoys running, rock climbing, stargazing, and any good cup of tea. |
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Lydia Heisel
Project Coordinator and Graduate Research Assistant Lydia Heisel is a M.S. graduate student in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Originally from Austin, Texas, she is a graduate of Trinity University in San Antonio, where she majored in history and environmental studies and minored in museum studies. She was previously a member of the National Parks Conservation Association's Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council and now serves on NPCA's Southeast Young Leaders Advocacy Council, where she volunteers and champions national parks. In addition, she has interned at nonprofits for national and city parks, served an AmeriCorps term doing conservation work, and interned with Texas Parks and Wildlife, working on volunteer programming. Lydia's research interests lie in the relationships between parks and nonprofit organizations, as well as volunteer motivations and experiences in parks and protected areas. In her free time, Lydia enjoys swimming, traveling, reading, cooking, watching movies, and hiking |
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Jess Henry
Project Coordinator and Graduate Research Assistant Jessica Henry is a M.S. student in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. Originally from Pennsylvania, she attended Alfred University (NY) for her undergraduate studies, majoring in Biology and Political Science with a minor and focus area in Science Policy. Post graduation, she spent two seasons working with and for the U.S. National Park Service in the field of Interpretation, first in Denali National Park and Preserve, AK followed by Arches National Park, UT. Jessica’s research area interests include park interpretation and interpretation management, as well as visitor use management in parks and protected areas. Jessica’s hobbies include volunteer puppy raising with the Guide Dog Foundation, traveling, paddle boarding, and playing board games. |
Julie Ostrem
Project Coordinator and Graduate Research Assistant
Julie Ostrem is a PhD student in the Parks Solution Lab studying environmental education. Originally from Canada, she has spent her career helping people connect with nature and supporting the practitioners who make those experiences possible. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a master’s degree where she explored how organizations collaborate on environmental education and interpretation in UNESCO Biosphere Regions. Before starting her PhD, Julie worked with Parks Canada as the General Interpretation Coordinator for Lake Louise, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks. She’s passionate about making research practical and accessible by translating insights about the natural world into experiences that inspire curiosity and stewardship. In her free time, she enjoys connecting with friends, hiking, and hanging out at the beach.
Project Coordinator and Graduate Research Assistant
Julie Ostrem is a PhD student in the Parks Solution Lab studying environmental education. Originally from Canada, she has spent her career helping people connect with nature and supporting the practitioners who make those experiences possible. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a master’s degree where she explored how organizations collaborate on environmental education and interpretation in UNESCO Biosphere Regions. Before starting her PhD, Julie worked with Parks Canada as the General Interpretation Coordinator for Lake Louise, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks. She’s passionate about making research practical and accessible by translating insights about the natural world into experiences that inspire curiosity and stewardship. In her free time, she enjoys connecting with friends, hiking, and hanging out at the beach.
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Izzy Haake
Project Coordinator and Graduate Research Assistant Izzy Haake (they/them) is a M.S. Student in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. They are from eastern Kansas and recently graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor's degree in Park Management and Conservation, a secondary major in Natural Resources and Environmental Science, and minors in Leadership and Entomology. Izzy is currently working with Leisure Skills to better understand the long-term benefits of LS classes and how we can continue to provide meaningful outdoor experiences for students at Clemson. Izzy's research interests include Leave No Trace, visitor use management, user motivations, and satisfaction. In their free time, Izzy enjoys backpacking, hiking, pottery, and creating all kinds of art! |
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Mark Gorman
Project Coordinator and Graduate Research Assistant Mark Gorman is a first year PhD student in Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Management. He is originally from Erie, Pennsylvania and grew up attending summer camp, which sparked his love for outdoor recreation. He began his studies in the field at the Pennsylvania State University, where he received a B. S. in Recreation, Park, & Tourism Management, focusing on Park Management and Environmental Interpretation. After some time working in the field in Pennsylvania, Indiana, & Colorado, he continued his studies at the University of New Hampshire. At UNH, he pursued his M.S. in Recreation Management & Policy, where he focused on visitor use management and policy, working with the U.S. Forest Service in the White Mountains. Driven by his passion and the desire to make an impact in the field, he chose to continue his academic studies at Clemson University. When he’s not studying or organizing data, you can find him hiking, watching sports, or generally enjoying the outdoors. |
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Alyssa Fenton
Undergraduate Research Assistant Alyssa is a Senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with an emphasis in Parks, Conservation, and Outdoor Recreation and a minor in Anthropology. Originally from New Bern, NC, Alyssa is involved in the Park Solutions Lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant, working in data entry for the National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Survey. In the future, Alyssa is interested in pursuing a career in outdoor research and recreation as a park ranger or trip leader. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys skydiving, backpacking, and paddling. |
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Michael
Guide Dog in Training Michael C174 is a puppy on program with the Guide Dog Foundation, currently being co-raised by Jess Henry and Kale Wernsing. Michael is a valuable member of the Park Solutions Lab, with pup-lic lands experiences including becoming a b.a.r.k. ranger at Shenandoah National Park, paddleboarding in Clemson city parks, and trail scentscape monitoring in the Clemson Experimental Forest. Michael's work on campus largely involves honing his public access skills such as walking in crowded spaces, settling through classes and meetings, and practicing focus with his handler during times of distraction. More information on Michael's work as a guide dog in training can be found at guidedog.org. During his free time, Michael enjoys hiking, sniffs, and snacks. |
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