معرفی
Derrick Stowell is a Lecturer in Recreational Therapy at the University of Tennessee, affiliated with the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in horticultural therapy and program development. He holds a PhD from the University of Tennessee in Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science, an MS in Recreation and Leisure Studies/Therapeutic Recreation, and a BA in Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Studies from Maryville College.
Dr. Stowell’s research focuses on leveraging gardening and horticultural practices for therapeutic purposes, particularly in mental health and community health contexts. He pioneered horticultural therapy programs at the University of Tennessee Gardens, emphasizing their benefits for diverse populations. His work extends internationally through consulting on program development and implementation.
Notable achievements include receiving the 2016 Rhea McCandliss Professional Service Award, the 2022 American Horticultural Society’s Horticultural Therapy Award, and the 2024 AHTA Lifetime Membership award. He served as President of the American Horticultural Therapy Association (2022), reflecting his leadership in professional advocacy.
Dr. Stowell teaches courses such as RSM 201 (Foundations of Recreational Therapy) and RSM 430 (Administration of Recreational Therapy Services), integrating practical and administrative aspects of the field. While no grants are explicitly mentioned, his work emphasizes partnerships with community organizations to expand therapeutic programs.
He is actively involved in the Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to advance therapeutic interventions.
