Michael D. Ferguson, Ph.D.
Dr. Michael D. Ferguson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire. He designs, manages, and analyzes natural resource research in parks and protected areas. Broadly, his work focuses on outdoor recreation behaviors and the human dimensions of natural resource management. Specifically, his research models recreation visitor behaviors, decision-making, and experiences in parks and protected areas. This research provides natural resource managers, elected officials, private industry, the general public, and academia with scientifically grounded, data-driven, and legally defensible results to best manage outdoor recreation visitation. Research collaborators include the USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Sea Grant, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, NH State Parks, and other various federal, state, local, and private organizations.
Lauren A. Ferguson, Ph.D.
Dr. Lauren A. Ferguson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Ferguson’s work, broadly speaking, focuses on outdoor recreation behavior and the social aspects of natural resource management. Over the past several years she has evolved her research program into one that is both applied and interdisciplinary and she has managed a multitude of high-quality research projects. Evidence from her research has been conveyed in technical management reports, research presentations, and refereed journal articles. Most recently, Dr. Ferguson served as a project manager for a visitor use related study at Denali National Park and Preserve, where innovative and complex methods were used to inform visitors thresholds for experience quality. She has experience managing research, developing surveys, creating sampling designs, report writing, and working with local, state, and federal natural resource management agencies.
Mr. Matt Frye is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire. Prior to his work in academia, he served as a Program Director and Recreational Therapist with a large non-profit organization. His work and research is centered around the therapeutic use of recreation for youth, increasing opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities in public parks and recreation programs, and community integration. Professor Frye works with multiple municipalities in order to maximize inclusive programming and facility accessibility as well as conducting inclusion trainings. Additionally, he conducts community needs assessments for recreation programs utilizing focus groups, surveys, and on-site observations.
Matthew S. Frye, M.S., CTRS/L
Mr. Jim Hilton is an Adjunct Professor and Researcher in the Department of Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire. He has served the New England recreation field for over 43 years. He started his career in St. Albans, Vermont where in addition to managing the recreation department he organized four Guinness Book World’s Records for the town. He served as the Recreation Director for the town of Newmarket, New Hampshire for 27 years during which time he built a new community center, a senior citizens center, and three recreation field complexes. He served as the Community Development Director of Carrabassett Valley, Maine for three years where he built bike paths, trout ponds, a skeet range, and managed the town’s recreation department. Mr. Hilton now teaches courses in Recreation Management and Policy and conducts community needs assessments for recreation programs utilizing focus groups, surveys, and on-site observations.
Jim Hilton, M.S.
Contact Information
Dept of Recreation Management and Policy
4 Library Way-193 Hewitt Hall
Durham, NH 03823
Phone: (603) 862-1644
