Dark Ritual in Fanship and Leisure Experiences

Lab: Tourism & Leisure Lab
Faculty Mentor: Professor Milazzo

Description:
This project investigates how disasters (such as pandemics, wildfires and floods) impact fanship leisure activities. Student will work to prepare research on dark rituals and theme park visitation for publication in a peer reviewed academic journal, apply to academic conferences, and begin a new line of research with scholars at the University of Santa Barbara. 

Students will partner with scholars at the University of Santa Barbara to analyze how recreation centers and/or tourism destinations impacted by natural disasters adapt and rebuild their social worlds. This is an emerging research line based on a new model of Unscripted Dark Rituals. 

Remote Opportunity:
This research can be completed remotely from any Penn State campus if you are not located at Abington. Team meetings, training, and data work can be conducted online, making this an excellent opportunity for students studying at a distance from the Philadelphia-area.

Benefits:

  • Hands-on experience with qualitative research methods

  • Mentorship on writing, research communication, and analysis

  • Opportunities to co-author academic work

  • Funded travel to present research at conferences

  • Valuable professional experience for careers in recreation, sustainability, or community development

Please complete the following form to apply for a position on this project: https://forms.office.com/r/yR84XvxDgx

Campus(es): 
Abington
Work Setting(s): 
Hybrid, On campus, Remote
Area(s): 
Any
Description of responsibilities and minimum qualifications: 

Qualifications:

  • Interest in environmental studies, recreation management, or disaster resilience

  • Strong organizational and communication skills

  • Reliability and professionalism

  • No prior research experience required—training provided

Available Term(s): 
Academic Year, Fall, On-going, Spring
Position Type(s): 
Credit, Variable, Volunteer, Work Study
Number of positions available: 
4
Requested Materials: 

Please email your resume to lmm6871@psu.edu with subject line: "Joining the lab: Your Last Name_Resume"

Application Instructions: 

Please complete the following form to apply for a position on this project: https://forms.office.com/r/yR84XvxDgx