معرفی
Dr. Andrew J. Bobilya is a Professor and Program Director of the Master’s in Experiential and Outdoor Education (EOE) program at Western Carolina University (WCU), while also teaching in the undergraduate Parks and Recreation Management (PRM) program. He holds certifications as a Certified Outdoor Educator (Wilderness Education Association) and Leave No Trace Level 3 Instructor. His research focuses on wilderness solitude, autonomous student experiences, human-nature relationships, and spirituality in outdoor programming. He has led over 50 peer-reviewed publications and received prestigious awards including the AEE's Distinguished Researcher (2024) and Servant Leader (2013) awards.
Education: PhD in Education from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis.
Research Interests: Explores long-term impacts of outdoor programs, barriers to school outdoor space utilization, and Indigenous ecological knowledge integration. Recent work analyzes land management policies affecting protected areas and youth leadership in outdoor education.
Awards:
- 2024: Betty van der Smissen Distinguished Researcher (AEE)
- 2018: Outdoor Educator of the Year (Wilderness Education Association)
- 2017: Legislative Teaching Award & Dean's Research Award (WCU)
Advising & Grants: Founder and Director of Training/Education at 2nd Nature TREC, providing consulting for outdoor programs. Served on AEE Board (2005-2012) and as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership (2010-2018).
Labs/Teams: Directs 2nd Nature TREC, focusing on program improvement through training, research, and education initiatives.
