Bio

Laura Anderson McIntyre’s keen interest in outdoor recreation stems from family camping trips to the US national parks and a youth spent exploring the outdoors in rural Ohio.  She is currently a faculty member in the College of Natural Resources’ forestry discipline. Before arriving at Stevens Point, Laura was a Postdoctoral Associate in the Park Studies Laboratory at the University of Vermont. She has been a park naturalist, camp counselor, conservation intern, and visitor survey coordinator. She teaches courses in forest recreation planning and management, nature-based tourism, landscape architecture, and human dimensions of natural resource management. Laura also advises the Park and Recreation Association student organization at UW-Stevens Point.

Experience and Interests

Teaching Experience

• Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor of Forest Recreation, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (2013-present)
• Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (2003-2006)
• Graduate Teaching Associate, The Ohio State University (1999-2001)

Research Interests

• Outdoor recreation planning and management
• Forest visitor motivations, experiences, and behaviors

Professional Experience

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional

Involvement

Campus

• Faculty Advisor, Park and Recreation Association
• General Education Committee
• CNR Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee
• CNR Curriculum Committee

Community

• Green Circle Trail Board
• Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association
• Ice Age Trail Alliance
• Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals
• National Recreation and Park Association

Fun Facts

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A chef.  Also, a cat doctor.

Last book you read?

Driving the Green Book by Alvin Hall

Best advice you ever received?

Learn how to fall.  Draw strength and direction from unsuccessful first attempts.