graduate Research projects
Colloquium Projects
"Construction of a 'Universal' Hiking Trail and Classification of the Perceived Benefits and Perspectives of Two Different User Groups"
Student: Jennifer Samela, M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Lou Powell
This project focused on the application of accessibility standards in the design of a universal hiking trail and studied the perceived benefits of trail use among individual users with and without mobility impairments.
"Manchester-by-the-Sea: Parks and Recreation Master Plan Survey"
Student: Karyn. A. MacNeill, M.S.
Advisors: Dr. Bob Barcelona and Dr. Janet Sable
This project focused on a comprehensive assessment of the public view of current parks and recreation services offered by Manchester-by-the Sea's Parks and Recreation Department and determined specific programming desires of the residents.
"Freeman Tilden: An Analysis of Tilden's Life and Contributions to Interpretation"
Student: Candace Shea, M.S.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Janet Sable
An in-depth study of the life of Freeman Tilden, the "father of interpretation". The project entailed a content analysis of significant primary sources and a thematic analysis of interviews of Tilden's colleagues and other stakeholders to explore Tilden's life experiences, values, and underlying philosophies that allowed him to make significant contributions to the National Park Service.
"Design of a Solo Track Hiking Chair"
Student: David Lee, CTRS, M.S.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Janet Sable
This project involved the design and field test of a prototype "off-road" hiking chair for individuals with a wide range of physical abilities. The Solo Track Hiking Chair requires less assistance by able-bodied hikers than the assistance required for current "off-road" hiking chairs and the Solo Track has less environmental impact than other adaptive hiking equipment.
"Design and Implementation of a Legislative Action Plan for Therapeutic Recreation Licensure in New Hampshire"
Student: Jill Gravink, CTRS, M.S.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Janet Sable and Dr. Lou Powell
This project centered on the systematic design and implementation of a plan to legislate licensing of recreation therapists in the state of New Hampshire. The advocacy plan and legislative action of this project came to fruition with the passage of the current New Hampshire law that establishes state licensure for recreational therapists.