معرفی
Shannon Rogers is an Extension Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), serving as a state specialist with UNH Cooperative Extension. Over seven years, she has advanced nature-based economic development across New Hampshire through applied research funded by the National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, and state agencies. Her work bridges academic expertise and public service, focusing on leveraging natural resources to enhance economic resilience and community well-being through multisector partnerships.
Rogers' research centers on the integration of natural resources, outdoor recreation, and economic development to foster community resilience. She investigates economic impacts of trail networks, downtown-trail connections, and climate adaptation strategies, with emphasis on equity and community engagement. Her methodological approaches include economic impact analysis, deliberative valuation, and community-based participatory research, yielding practical tools for policymakers and stakeholders.
Analysis of her recent publications (2021-2024) reveals growing emphasis on climate change impacts on outdoor recreation and development of just adaptation policies. Rogers has produced numerous applied studies for New Hampshire communities, particularly on economic benefits of nature-based initiatives and trail-downtown connections. Her work combines rigorous economic analysis with community engagement to address real-world challenges in recreation infrastructure, urban planning, and environmental justice.
Dr. Rogers has received the following scientific awards:
- Excellence in Public Service Award (2024) from the University of New Hampshire
- Master's Thesis Award of Merit (2008)
Her research is supported by major grants from the National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, and New Hampshire state agencies. These fund projects on nature-based economic development, climate adaptation, and community resilience, with specific focus areas including:
- Economic impact studies of rail trails and downtown-trail connections
- Climate vulnerability assessments for outdoor recreation providers
- Development of frameworks for equitable climate adaptation policy
- Valuation of ecosystem services in community planning
Rogers leads the Downtowns and Trails program and the UNH Collaborative Research Excellence project, which involve partnerships with multiple UNH departments, the New Hampshire Office of Outdoor Industry and Economic Development, and the Granite Outdoor Alliance. These initiatives have strengthened community connections through nature-based economic development, resulting in enhanced recreation facilities, improved wayfinding systems, and revitalized local economies across New Hampshire municipalities including Keene, Ossipee, and Bristol.
