Behind The Science

Chris is passionate about connecting people with nature. As Associate Professor of Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Ecology, he works in a joint-position that serves University of Idaho's College of Natural Resources and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Prior to moving to Idaho, he held in a similar faculty role at Old Dominion University. Chris received his PhD from University of Utah, MS from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and BA from Colby College. In between degrees, he coordinated outdoor experiential education for Loyola University Chicago, instructed field science at Teton Science Schools, and worked in numerous other environmental education and outdoor industry roles. Chris served as board member of the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals from 2020-2025 and supports for Leisure Sciences and the Society & Natural Resources as an associate editor. In his free time, he shares his love of rafting, skiing, the Boston Red Sox, and South Asian cuisine with his two sons and partner.

Hailing from a little country in Southeast Asia, I I bring a unique perspective from a land that teems with life: the vibrant tapestry of Bangladesh, I have two M.S. degrees in Environmental Science and Climate Change. Prior to receiving my education, I taught at a university in Bangladesh. While at U.I., I aim to explore recreationalist's behavior in concert with air pollution, specifically during the wildfire season in the Intermountain West.

When not immersed in academic pursuits, I find myself lost in the world of words, the realm of gardening, and photography.

Brey is a first year Masters Student at the University of Idaho and a two-time Vandal. He recently completed his Bachelors in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Management. His academic journey has shaped his passion for outdoor experiences and sparked an interest in exploring how place and culture influence personal values related to recreation. As Brey transitions into graduate school next year, he is eager to deepen his research in recreational studies, particularly in how people perceive and engage with outdoor environments. In addition to his academic pursuits, Brey enjoys whitewater rafting and cooking, which keep him both adventurous and creative. Looking ahead, Brey is excited to contribute to the field of recreation through meaningful research and continued exploration of human-nature interactions.

Coming from the rich and diverse landscapes of Colombia, I bring with me a deep passion for understanding and preserving our natural world. I have focused my studies on the impact of tourism in Antarctica, a region where the balance between human activity and environmental conservation is critical. My fascination with drones and remote sensing technologies drives my research, enabling me to explore and monitor remote and sensitive ecosystems effectively. When I’m not engaged in my academic work, I find joy in outdoor activities, capturing the beauty of nature through photography, and immersing myself in music.

​A certified North Carolina Environmental Educator, Amber Hawes is passionate about helping others foster deeper connections with the outdoors and uncovering the most effective methods to do so through research. She recently finished her MS in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University where she was a member of the National Park Service Interpretation 2.0 research team, a collaborative effort with Virginia Tech to analyze which interpretive program techniques lead to the best visitor outcomes. Before her graduate work, she had roles as an English teacher in Thailand, a third-grade teacher, and a nature center educator. In her free time Amber enjoys ballroom dancing, tabletop games, painting, and getting lost in a good book. 

Rooted along the rivers of Idaho, Jack Weisensel’s journey into conservation began with hands-on experience on wildland fire crews and trail work across the Northwest. These early seasons taught him resilience, teamwork, and respect for the ecological systems that sustain both people and wildlife. Now an undergraduate student in Conservation Biology at the University of Idaho, Jack brings that same field ethic into his academic work, focusing on aquatic ecology, river systems, and the human dimensions of conservation. His current undergraduate research explores how communities perceive ecological change amidst hydropower development. Jack plans to pursue graduate studies in aquatic ecology, aiming to contribute to research that supports the long-term conservation of freshwater ecosystems. When he’s not in the classroom or field, he can often be found outdoors—training, fishing, or returning to the fireline each summer to stay connected to the landscapes that first sparked his passion for ecology.

Having grown up in the beautiful outdoors across northern Idaho, Liv’s appreciation for public lands and recreation has deep roots. Throughout her undergraduate career in wildlife sciences, her passion for outdoor recreation and education has deepened. She is preparing for a Master’s of Integrated Natural Resources, planning to hone in on interpretation and education in the outdoors through the utilization of community-based approaches. Her work currently focuses on creating and updating interpretive material in alignment with updated themes. Throughout her time at the University of Idaho, she has worked closely with a local wildlife rescue center, caring for a variety of creatures and providing educational content to the community. Outside of academics, Liv can be found caring for critters, doing yoga, hiking, and climbing with family and friends. 

Victoria is a third-year undergraduate working towards a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Culture and Communication at the University of Idaho. She grew up in Canyon County, camping and exploring Idaho’s beautiful public lands. As she continues her academic career in the PNW, she explores the outdoors in Moscow and Oregon, usually choosing spots with amazing waterfalls. Victoria’s interest in interpretation and state parks stemmed from a variety of courses in environmental and cultural communication and history. She is looking forward to working on her senior research project at Heyburn State Park this summer. She is excited about her future work and the various opportunities within the field of parks and recreation. When not in the classroom and when the weather permits, Victoria enjoys skiing, ice-skating, and rollerblading.