Brian Peterson, PhD

Biography

Dr. Brian A. Peterson is an applied researcher whose research integrates social, spatiotemporal, geographic, and ecological data to understand human behavior and experiences within parks and protected areas so that society can to continue to benefit from these areas. He has conducted research at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, Shenandoah National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Buffalo National River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Bonneville Salt Flats, and the Appalachian Trail. Dr. Peterson also serves on the board of the George Wright Society and annually organizes a student summit event aimed at producing student publications.

Education

• Ph.D. Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University (2020)
• M.S. Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, University of Utah (2016)
• B.A. Biology, University of San Diego (2004)

Research

Understanding the drivers and effects of recreation displacement in Southern California national forests (Peterson, B., Perry, E., Thomas, A., Sanchez, J.). United States Forest Service. Research to identify areas with high potential for fire-related closures and high visitation, social and environmental attributes to maintain during displacement, and messaging that resonates with diverse populations about alternate recreation experiences. Peterson: Primary investigator, research design, analysis, and reporting.

Aircraft tracking over National Park Service units (Peterson, B., Hutchinson, S., Sharp, R.). National Park Service. Research to advance the National Park Service and Federal Aviation Administration ability to effectively track commercial air tours over National Park Service units and to improve the data processing and reporting flow to park units. Peterson: Primary investigator, research design, analysis, and reporting.