Faculties:
- Health, Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies
Country of origin: United States
Academic degrees and institutions:
- PhD Indigenous Tourism (University of Notre Dame Australia, 2023)
- MS Arts/Culture Administration (Drexel University, 2018)
- MA International Studies, Peace and Conflict Resolution (University of Queensland, 2015)
- BA Chinese Language, BA Anthropology (Washington University in St. Louis, 2009)
Describe your work and how it embodies the nature of the program.
My research work examines the ways that tourism can be more than simply an economic tool for Indigenous communities. I am interested in working alongside Indigenous and Tribal communities, including my own, to be able to explore and document how tourism can be a vehicle for resurgence, or (re)connecting people to traditional culture, community and Country (living lands, waters and non-human kin).
What are some activities you hope to accomplish during your postdoctoral appointment at University of Waterloo?
During this postdoctoral research opportunity, I aim to develop and expand upon the research I had started through my PhD dissertation focused on Indigenous-led tourism and resurgence. Specifically, I aim to publish both a book and journal articles focused on comparative Indigenous-led tourism models from fieldwork in my native Oklahoma Indian Country, as well as abroad from Indigenous Australia. I also aim to continue my fieldwork and research outputs examining the intersection of Indigenous communities, tourism and mining. Finally, I also am looking forward to publishing based on recently completed research focused on developing a climate justice strategy for the tourism and travel industry.
Have you been the recipient of any other major or donor-funded awards?
- Annika Rodriguez Undergraduate Scholarship (2005-2009)
- Hoopes Research Award (2007)
- Mellon Mays Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2007-2009)
- Best in Research Award, Mellon Mays Fellowship (2009)
- Fulbright Research Scholarship (2009-2010, Cambodia)
- Rotary Peace Fellowship (2014-2015, UQ/Australia)
- American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association Scholarship (2018)
- Outstanding Thesis Research Award, Drexel University (2018)
- Research Training Program (2018-2022, Australian Government)
- Western Australian Industry Innovation Fellows program (2019-2022, Australia)
- Graduate Women Western Australia Scholarship (2021-2022, Australia)
Why did you choose the University of Waterloo?
I chose UW because the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is leading and supporting extraordinary work related to tourism. The research work that is promoted in this department is not simply useful to the field and industry of tourism, but it is deeply meaningful and relevant in these times of ongoing global crises and climate chaos. I am very grateful and excited to be working with my mentor, Dr. Bryan Grimwood, who walks the talk when it comes to supporting Indigenous scholarship and the community relationships that are required to do research that is worthwhile and impactful.
What are you most looking forward to about joining the postdoctoral scholars community at the University of Waterloo?
I am most excited about the conversations and knowledge exchanges we will have across our different disciplines and research topics. I am also looking forward to being connected with and supporting other Indigenous and international students on campus.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy cooking, traveling, learning new languages, dancing and spending time outside and near animals.
Learn more:
- Connect with Bobbie on LinkedIn