Former Students & Advisees

Lab Alumni & Former Advisees

Erica Rieder (PhD in FWCB, NCSU, 2023)

Hometown: Essex, CT; Prior Education: Mount Holyoke College (BA in Biology), Duke University (Master’s of Environmental Management)

Thesis Title: Using participatory system dynamics modeling to address complex conservation problems: the case of tiger farms

Position after graduation: Postdoctoral Research Associate, NCSU, College of Natural Resources (NC)

Justin Beall (PhD in PRTM, NCSU, 2023)

Hometown: Callahan, FL; Prior Education: University of Florida (BA in Environmental Science); University of Georgia (MS in Forest Resources)

Dissertation Title: Speaking in frames: how accounting for audience attributes can enhance communication about pressing environmental issues

Position after graduation: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Virginia Tech (VA)

Kayla Stukes (MS in FER, NCSU, 2023)

Hometown: Prince Georges County, MD; Prior Education: Tuskegee University, (BS in Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences)

Thesis Title: Minority landowners’ participation in conservation programs: understanding barriers and opportunities

Position after graduation: PhD student at NCSU, College of Natural Resources (NC)

Catherine Lerose (MS in FWCB, NCSU, 2023)

Hometown: Long Island, NY; Prior Education: University of Massachusetts, Amherst (BS in Biology)

Thesis Title: Hunter perspectives on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) management in North Carolina and South Carolina

Position after graduation: Social Research Assistant, NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NC)

Lauren Mullenbach (Postdoctoral research associate, NCSU, 2021)

Hometown: Johns Creek, GA; Prior Education: University of Georgia (BS in Psychology, MS in Forest Resources), Penn State University University (PhD in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management)

Position after NCSU: Assistant Professor at University of Oklahoma, Department of Geography & Environmental Sustainability (OK)

Reilly Protzman (MNR in PRTM, NCSU, 2021)

Hometown: Newport News, VA; Prior Education: Longwood University (BS in Criminal Justice)

Thesis Title: Parks, flooding, and green infrastructure: developing strategies to promote resilient communities in North Carolina

Position after graduation: Maintenance Technician, NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC)

Torey Vayer (MS in FWCB, NCSU, 2020)

Hometown: Rockville, MD; Prior Education: Penn State University (BS in Biology)

Thesis Title: Changing the face of hunting in America: Understanding and influencing college students’ hunting- related beliefs and behaviors

Position after graduation: R3 Coordinator and Videographer, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD)

Sara Futch (MS in FWCB, NCSU, 2020)

Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA; Prior Education: Wofford College (BS in Psychology, BA in German)

Thesis Title: Understanding citizen science engagement through social network analysis

Position after graduation: Research analyst, Southwick Associates (NC)

Devyani Singh (PhD in PRTM, clemson, 2019)

Hometown: Mumbai, India; Prior Education: Mithibai College of Arts, Science & Commerce (BS in Zoology), Institute of Science in Mumbai (MS in Environmental Sciences)

Dissertation Title: Conservation, conflict and community context: Insights from Indian Tiger Reserves

Position after graduation: Postdoctoral Research Associate at Clemson University, PRTM (SC)

Kyle Smith (MS in PRTM, NCSU, 2019)

Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA; Prior Education: Appalachian State University (BS in Recreation Management)

Thesis title: Building capacity for grant success: insights from local parks and recreation agencies in North Carolina

Position after graduation: Grants Specialist, Centerstone.org (TN)

Charmaine Pedrozo (MS in Natural Resources, NCSU, 2019)

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL; Prior Education: University of Florida (BS in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation)

Thesis title: Candid Critters and wildlife conservation behaviors: Exploring the broader impacts of citizen science participation

Position after graduation: Environmental educator with Muddy Sneakers (NC)

Katie Krafte Holland (PhD in PRTM, Clemson, 2019)

Hometown: Carrboro, NC; Prior Education: UNC-Chapel Hill (BS in Biology & Education); Miami University (MA in Zoology)

Dissertation Title: Investigating the cultural context for big cat conservation around the world

Position after graduation: Lecturer at UNC-Wilmington, Dept. of Environmental Sciences (NC)

Allie Dinwiddie (BS in Environmental Engineering, NCSU, 2018)

Hometown: Waynesville, NC

Honors Project Title: Connecting kids and nature: Best practices in environmental education and citizen science projects

Position after graduation: Water Quality Planner with ECO AmeriCorps program (NC)

Brett Stayton (MS in PRTM, Clemson, 2017)

Hometown: Fort Wright, KY; Prior education: Eastern Kentucky University (BS in Wildlife Management)

Thesis Title: Colleges and universities: Prime habitat for hunter recruitment and retention

Position after graduation: Mid-Atlantic States Coordinator with Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (Washington, DC)

Sarah Wilcer (MS in PRTM, Clemson, 2017)

Hometown: Lombard, IL; Education: Western Illinois University (BS in Biology)

Thesis Title: Understanding hiking participation and benefits: Lessons learned from the First Day Hikes initiative

Position after graduation: Interpretive Ranger at Grand Teton National Park (WY)

Elizabeth Boles Johnson (online MS in PRTM, Clemson, 2017) 

Hometown: Rock Hill, SC; Education: Clemson University (BS in Business)

Project Title: Pets, parks, and conflict: An exploration of visitor attitudes towards dog walking at Lake Conestee Nature Park

Position after graduation: Park Ranger at South Cove County Park (SC)

Tara Chapmon (online MS in PRTM, Clemson, 2016)

Hometown: San Diego, CA; Education: US Naval Academy (BS in Oceanography)

Project Title: Visitors’ pro-environmental attitudes, behavior, and place attachment on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Comparing surfers and other recreationists

Position after graduation: Educator & Trip Leader, Outward Bound (multiple locations in western US)

Sam Keith (MS in PRTM, Clemson, 2016)

Hometown: San Antonio, TX; Education: Texas A&M (BS in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences), Clemson (MS in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management)

Thesis Title: Urban greenway use and benefits in diverse cities: A tale of two trails

Position after graduation: PhD Student at University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources (GA)

Ami Flowers Staples (MS in Forest Resources, UGA, 2012)

Hometown: Augusta, GA; Education: Univ. of Georgia (BS in Forest Resources; MS in Natural Resources Recreation & Tourism)

Thesis Title: The effects of an art-based environmental education program on children’s environmental perceptions

Position after graduation: Marine Fisheries Biologist, NC Department of Environmental Quality (NC)