معرفی
Kristin Thomas serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management within the College of Health and Human Development at Pennsylvania State University. She holds dual leadership roles as Faculty Coordinator for the Meetings and Events Management Certificate program and Health and Human Development Senator in the University Faculty Senate.
Her educational foundation includes:
- Ph.D. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management from The Pennsylvania State University
- M.A. in Education Leadership in Student Affairs from Eastern Michigan University
- B.A. in Public Relations with French minor from Eastern Michigan University
Dr. Thomas's research investigates meaning-making, learning motivations, and identity formation during educational, heritage, and virtual travel experiences using qualitative and mixed-methods approaches. Her work critically examines the convergence of tourism and academic exchange, particularly how emotional responses like awe shape learning outcomes and how boundaries blur between student, tourist, and traveler roles. This interdisciplinary focus bridges recreation management, educational psychology, and cultural studies.
Her scholarly output centers on the 2020 publication "The Awe in Awesome in Education Abroad," which analyzes emotional dimensions of learning in international contexts. Ongoing research explores tourism-education integration, virtual experience design, and identity negotiation among travelers, reflecting a consistent trajectory toward understanding transformative experiential learning.
Scientific recognition includes:
- Global Learning Faculty Fellowship
Dr. Thomas actively develops curricular innovations including the Global Engagement and Leadership Experience program and the Experience Design and Event Management virtual course co-created with Breda University of Applied Sciences. As Meetings and Events Management Certificate Coordinator, she oversees professional training in event planning while securing collaborative opportunities for student development.
She contributes to the Travel and Tourism Research Group, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on tourism behavior and destination management within the departmental research ecosystem.
