Stephan Carlson

Stephan Carlson serves as a Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Minnesota, based in Green Hall, St. Paul. His work integrates teaching, research, and extension services with a focus on environmental education in informal learning settings including parks, zoos, nature centers, and museums. He maintains active roles in the MN Master Naturalist Program and as a Certified Interpretive Trainer for the National Association for Interpretation.

Education:

• Ph.D. from Michigan State University (1993)

Dr. Carlson specializes in engaging recreational audiences through hands-on exploration and self-discovery in natural environments. His research emphasizes program development, implementation, and evaluation for outdoor education, with core interests spanning environmental interpretation, trail design, youth development, and citizen science. He actively develops curricula for advanced environmental topics including phenology, water quality, and environmental ethics across Minnesota.

His scholarly output demonstrates a clear trend toward applying phenological observations as climate change indicators, with strong integration of citizen science methodologies for environmental monitoring and education. This work bridges scientific research with practical educational outreach in natural resource management.

Scientific awards and recognitions:

• Excellence in Natural Resources (2009) from the Minnesota Community and Natural Resources Association for Best Practices for Field Days
• USDA-CSREES Certificate of Appreciation (2001) for White Earth Reservation’s Science and Math Summer School Program

Dr. Carlson leads extensive grant evaluation efforts including the MN Master Naturalist program, "Best Practices for Environmental Field Days", NASA CYCLES initiatives, and Federal grant evaluations. He provides oversight for K-12 science and outdoor programs on the White Earth Reservation and directs national evaluation frameworks for environmental education programs.

He directs teams within the MN Master Naturalist Program and collaborates with the National Association for Interpretation on trainer certification, leading statewide curriculum development and program evaluation teams focused on environmental education delivery and impact assessment.