Whether as part of a class project, thesis or dissertation or collaboration with faculty on their research projects, RST faculty and students conduct an impressive number of research projects addressing critical issues and trends that contribute to both the body of knowledge and professional best practices.
Our research addresses topics related to our four research pillars:
Community and Organizational Development
We seek ways to facilitate the transformation of communities and organizations into better places to live, work, and play. Our collaboratively designed and publicly engaged scholarship develops capacity that enhances health and well-being, sustainability, social justice and inclusivity. Examples of research projects include:
- examining strategies to implement diversity initiatives throughout program offerings;
- investigating how various leadership styles enhance the effectiveness of organizational and community-based programs across recreation, sport and tourism settings; and
- assessing the effects of pricing on tourist and resident visitation.
Health and Well-being
We investigate how recreation, sport and tourism promotes health and well-being and reduces negative health-related outcomes in many settings. We adopt a broad understanding of health including (but not limited to) social, psychological, physical and cognitive health. We explore the role of RST organizations, programs and events in shaping the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities, contributing to the larger public health agenda. Examples of research projects include:
- exploring the role of policy in protecting against negative health outcomes in RST settings;
- investigating relationships between well-being and participation in leisure activities across the life course; and
- assessing the influence of evidence-informed RST programs or experiences on health and well-being outcomes.
Sustainable Change
Our research helps change the relationship people have with their environments to enhance the capacity to meet current needs and those of their future. We collaborate with community leaders and stakeholders to increase their resilience and to help them adapt and thrive. Our research applies frameworks that connect environments with individual, socio-cultural, ecological and economic forces to develop a systemic understanding of sustainable change. Examples of research projects include:
- examining urban policies for repurposing vacant land due to leisure activities that transform neighborhood culture;
- understanding leisure experiences that inspire participation in civic engagement opportunities; and
- engaging organizational networks to expand opportunities in recreation, sport and tourism.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
- challenging systemic racism in access to nature, open spaces, and parks and recreation resources;
- identifying environmental preferences and the use of natural areas for physical activity among racial and ethnic minority residents; and
- understanding sexual well-being to tailor sexual health education for older adults.
Current RST Research Labs
Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility and Inclusion Lab
The Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility and Inclusion Lab is a leader in interdisciplinary research on issues of race, ethnicity, immigration, gender, disability and leisure. Its goal is to advocate diversity by facilitating, producing and disseminating multidisciplinary research dedicated to leisure as it relates to diverse and distinct communities.
Leisure, Health and Well-being Lab
The Recreation, Sport and Tourism Leisure, Health and Well-being Lab is dedicated to research on leisure and health that contributes to cutting-edge knowledge and best practices in initiatives that promote health and leisure across the lifespan.
Sport + Development Lab
The Sport + Development Lab is home to faculty and graduate students researching the intersection of sport and development.