Daniel Plunkett

Daniel Plunkett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He specializes in event planning, tourism, and place attachment, with a focus on community engagement and sustainable practices.

Education:

• B.A. in Business Administration (Finance & Entrepreneurship), University of St. Thomas, MN
• M.S. in Recreation & Tourism, Arizona State University
• Ph.D. in Community Resources and Development, Arizona State University

Research interests span event management strategies, sustainable tourism, and the interplay between place attachment and community development. His work emphasizes practical applications in urban parks, municipal recreation, and hospitality industries. Recent publications highlight collaborations with peers on topics like curriculum design and visitor behavior analysis.

Scientific Awards:

• Community Engaged Learning course designation (UWL's Community Engagement Department, Jan. 2022)

Advising & Grants: While no formal grant details are provided, Plunkett integrates community projects into his teaching, such as the REC 445 course linking students to experiential learning opportunities. He collaborates with professional organizations like the Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association. His advising style emphasizes hands-on projects, as seen in initiatives like trail proposals and city tennis programs.

Labs & Teams: He is affiliated with the UWL Tourism Research Institute, a platform for applied research in recreation and tourism sectors.