As the new school year begins, we are pleased to introduce our new faculty members! With their passion and expertise, we look forward to the incredible impact they will have on our department and our students.
Felipe Bertazzo Tobar, an international scholar from Brazil, holds the tenure-track position of Assistant Professor in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management Department at Clemson University (USA). With an interdisciplinary background, he also earned a Master’s in Cultural Heritage and Society as well as a Bachelor of Law and Social Science, both from Univille University in Brazil. His research interests lie at the intersection of sport, tourism, heritage, events, and politicsAt Clemson University, he seeks to advance his interdisciplinary research agenda, contribute meaningfully to giving students a holistic and meaningful educational experience, and continue serving the Clemson community.
Ashlyn Hardie is a tenure-track, Assistant Professor in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management Department at Clemson University. Dr. Hardie has an interdisciplinary background, including a B.S. in Sport Management from Wingate University in North Carolina, a Master’s in Business Adminstration (M.B.A.) from Averett University in Virgina, and a Ph.D. in Kinesiology (Emphasis in Sport Management) from Texas A&M University. Dr. Hardie also earned her Certificate of Nonprofit Management from Texas A&M University, with an emphasis area on International Nongovernmental Organizational Development. At Clemson University, she seeks to empower students with the necessary tools to contribute to positive community development, advance her research agenda toward practically oriented outcomes, and serve the community of the greater Clemson area.
Olivia McAnirlin, a health and nature researcher, is the Co-Director of the Virtual Reality and Nature (VRN) Lab in Clemson’s PRTM department. She holds degrees in exercise science, kinesiology and health (with a focus on sport psychology), and PRTM. Her research interests include studying the psychological and physiological impacts of nature and virtual reality, personalizing nature experiences for individuals, as well as using virtual reality as a form of storytelling. As Co-Director of the VRN, she works to mentor graduate, undergraduate, and high school students in the research process, externally fund impactful research studies, and provide health benefits to individuals through safe and accessible simulated and physical nature opportunities.
