Brian Peterson, PhD

Biography

Dr. Brian A. Peterson is an applied researcher whose research integrates social, spatiotemporal, geographic, acoustic, and ecological data to better understand human behavior and experiences in parks and protected areas. His research, situated within visitor use management and recreation ecology, aims to optimize the balance between conservation and visitor access while developing strategies to mitigate recreational impacts. He has conducted research for Acadia National Park, Badlands National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Buffalo National River, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Denali National Park and Preserve, Glacier National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Haleakalā National Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Olympic National Park, Saguaro National Park, Shenandoah National Park, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

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.