PhD in Recreation and Leisure Studies - University of Waterloo (2006)
Master’s in Environmental Studies - York University  (2000)
BA in Geography - Wilfrid Laurier University (1992)

Background
Previous to entering full time employment in academia, Dr. Halpenny worked with an international NGO, The International Ecotourism Society (2000-2005) as Research and Workshop Coordinator. This position entailed travel around the world assisting entrepreneurs and government agencies develop ecotourism infrastructure and programs.

Dr. Halpenny conducts research in the areas of tourism, marketing, environmental psychology, and protected areas management.

Current projects include:
a) Examining the use, acceptance and impact of mobile digital technologies on tourists (i.e., festival patrons and protected area visitors);
b) Investigating the impact of World Heritage designation and other park-related brands on travel decision making;
c) Exploring individuals’ attitudes towards and stewardship of natural areas (most recently she conducted an examination of Edmontonian’s attachment to, recreation in, and stewardship of the North Saskatchewan River Valley); and,
d) Documenting children’s access to nature as a place to play and the outcomes that arise from these activities.

Dr. Halpenny current supervises 5 PhD students and 1 Master’s student. She teaches the following graduate and undergraduate courses:
•    RLS 232 Marketing for Sport, Recreation and Tourism
•    RLS 452/541 Parks Management, Planning and Maintenance/ Parks and Protected Areas: Planning and Management of Natural and Cultural Heritage
•    RLS 463 Issues in Tourism Development