Our Research

By Shahriar Md Arifur Rahman On March 13, 2026, I had the opportunity to present the first study of my dissertation research at the 2026 GPSA Annual Graduate Expo at the University of Idaho, held at the Bruce Pitman Center. The event brought together graduate students from various disciplines to share their research and creative work in a public, engaging format. It was a valuable space for scholarly exchange, allowing presenters to discuss their projects with faculty, peers,

By Natalia Jaramillo It is Sunday, 11 p.m. There are only a few hours left before another deadline, and there is still a long list of things to finish. Tomorrow is Monday. Again, Monday. Lately, all my days feel like Mondays. This year, a large part of my work has not been in the field, but at my desk. Weeks have been spent preparing and submitting applications: the Berklund Graduate Scholarship, the Stillinger Expedition Fund, the SCAR Open Science Conference Travel Grant, t

By Amber Hawes On January 28, Dr. Zajchowski and I had the opportunity to attend the annual Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) Managers’ Meeting in Boise, ID. This was an excellent opportunity for us to not only learn about department-wide updates but also present some of the great work our lab has been up to and encourage managers to think about how we might be able to partner for future projects.    What are some of the topics covered at a statewide managers’ m

By Amber Hawes  Our lab and the College of Natural Resources (CNR) had the honor of hosting Susan Buxton, the Director of Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) from November 18 th to November 19 th . This was incredibly significant for our lab and an excellent opportunity for students in our department to learn from such an experienced expert in the field.  IDPR Director Susan Buxton presenting for the Outdoor Innovations Speaker Series at the Kenworthy Performing

By Nate Moody October 20-23, 2025, the University of Idaho Parks and Recreation Lab (PRL) travelled across the Bitterroot Mountains to Missoula, Montana for the annual George Wright Society ParkForum meeting. In total, five members of the PRL came and presented a mixture of posters and presentations. The meeting allowed PRL students and faculty a chance to network with other national and international parks and protected areas managers, researchers, and students. Here are som

By Chris Zajchowski Students walking along Chatcolet Lake at Heyburn State Park and examining ongoing construction projects. Photo Credit: Cole Buzzini, ‘26 This Fall, University of Idaho students in NRS 1250: Introduction to Conservation and Natural Resources are busy learning about different public, private, tribal, and nonprofit land management models. Their semester-long research project puts this learning into practice through interviews with cabin leaseholders at Heybu

By: Olivia Howell When I got an email from my professor, Dr. Chris Zajchowski, about a new field course, I jumped at the opportunity to...

By: Jacqueline Snow What a week! I successfully defended my thesis, celebrated my first publication, and was honored as the Outstanding...

By: Anna Medlin This April marked a major milestone — I successfully defended my master’s thesis, “Where You Stand Depends on Where You...

Author: Shahriar Md Arifur Rahman  In this spring semester, I was continuing my previous work on Idahoans’ perception of risk from...

ABSTRACT: Wildland fire smoke contributes to unhealthy indexes of particulate matter that impact human health. Research continues to...

Author: Anna Medlin  As part of my thesis with Idaho’s Department of Parks and Recreation, I had the incredible opportunity to visit all...

Author: Anna Medlin  Our lab wrapped up the spring semester by attending the 2024 National Outdoor Recreation Conference in Lake Tahoe,...

By: Shahriar Md Arifur Rahman The majority of my working hours this summer are being devoted to investigating how inhabitants of Idaho...

By: Jacqueline Snow This summer, my research focuses on collecting data from trail cameras and TrafX counters at Rinker Rock Creek Ranch...

Authors: Joohea Lee, Soeun Yang, Chris Zajchowski, Hana Kim ABSTRACT: In response to increasing concerns about the health risks...

Authors: Michael Wilcox, Chris Zajchowski, Jessica Fefer, Elizabeth E. Perry, Ryan L. Sharp, Matthew T J Brownlee ABSTRACT Urban and...

This field note highlights a research project at McCroskey State Park aimed at scoping amenity development and preserving the Palouse...

Graduate students Anna and Jacqueline participated in an independent study course, NRS 502, this spring under the guidance of Professor...

Authors: Anna Medlin & Chris Zajchowski Photo Credit: Wix ABSTRACT Homo sapiens burned wood for warmth and cooking for hundreds of...