Michigan State University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Community, Agriculture, Recreation & Resource Studies Assistant ProfessorAppointed: 2003 Michigan State University College of Social Science Geography Assistant ProfessorAppointed: 2003 | |
QualificationsPh.D., Texas A&M University, Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences, 2002. M.S., Texas A&M University, Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences, 1999. B.Sc., University College London, Geography, 1995. Expertise and Research InterestsCurrent and recent research projects relate to: measuring the accessibility and equity of urban parks; measuring the impacts of access to places that encourage physical activity on reported activity levels; measuring the impacts of green spaces on surrounding property values; agritourism development in Michigan; and, assessing the impacts of climate variability and change on recreation and tourism. My other primary research interest is in tourism planning, development and impacts, especially in the Caribbean. Other ExpertiseApplication of geospatial technologies (GIS and GPS) in parks, recreation and tourism. Future ResearchFurther development of GIS-based methodologies to enable assessment of accessibility and equity of urban park systems - potential sites to include Detroit and Chicago.
Assessment of relationships between access to physical activity resources, levels of physical activity, socioeconomic status, and social capital.
Examination of potential impacts (physical and socioeconomic) of projected climate change in the Caribbean. KeywordsCOS Keywords:Caribbean Islands, Caribbean Sea, Climate Change, Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Parks and Recreation Management, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Tourism.Additional Terms:Caribbean, Climate Change, GIS, Parks, Recreation, Tourism.Languages(Reading, Writing, Speaking)French: (Functional, Functional, Basic) MembershipsAssociation of American Geographers Council for National Parks (England and Wales) National Association of Recreation Resource Planners National Recreation and Park Association Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) Tourism Concern Honors and Awards2005, Best Illustrated Paper Award,
Travel and Tourism Research Association
2005, Outstanding Land Use Poster Presentation, Faculty and Specialist Category,
Michigan Land Use Summit
2004-2005,
Collaborative Visiting Fellowship,
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) & Social Science Research Council (SSRC)
2003, Best Paper Award for Doctoral Dissertation,
American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration
2002, Leadership for the Future Award,
Society of Park and Recreation Educators
2002, Best Paper Award for Master's Thesis, Certificate of Merit,
American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration
1997, J. Desmond Slattery Marketing Award,
Travel and Tourism Research Association
1994, Maconochie Prize
University College London,
Geography
1994, Sir William Meyer Essay Prize
University College London,
Geography
1993, H.C. Darby Prize
University College London,
Geography
Funding Received- Organization of American States Executive Secretariat for Integral Development and Policy and Planning Unit, Ministry of Housing, Agriculture and Fisheries, St. Kitts:
Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis Rural Based Agro/Eco Tourism Project,
$20,000,
2008
to 2010.
- Michigan State University Families and Communities Together:
Assessing Food Disparities in Urban Areas,
$40,000,
2008
to 2010.
- Michigan State University Family Research Initiative:
Investigating the Impact of Neighborhood Environments on the Risk of Hypertension,
$2,500,
2007
to 2008.
- Michigan State University Sustainable Agriculture Program:
Sustainable Agri-Tourism Enterprises in Western Michigan,
$10,184,
2006
to 2008.
- Delta County Economic Development Alliance:
Economic Impact of Hannahville Indian Community Businesses on Local Economy,
$117,600,
2006
to 2008.
- Michigan State University Land Policy Program:
Assessing the Accessibility and Equity of Grand Rapids Parks,
$2,000,
2005
to 2006.
- Michigan State University Land Policy Program:
Development of a New Class, "Geospatial Technologies for Recreational Open Space Planning and Management",
$10,000,
2005
to 2006.
- Foreign Affairs Canada Canadian Studies Grant Program:
Do Birds of a Feather Flock Together? An Exploratory Analysis of the Canadian Snowbird Phenomenon,
$5,000,
2005
to 2007.
- Michigan State University Land Policy Program:
Measuring the Impact of Community Design on Health in Michigan,
$14,000,
2004
to 2005.
- Michigan Department of Transportation:
Technical Proposal for the US-12 Heritage Trail Comprehensive Corridor Management Plan,
$15,215,
2003
to 2003.
- People and Land Funding Program, W.K. Kellogg Foundation:
Overcoming Impediments to Smart Growth: Finding Ways for Land Development Professionals to Help Achieve Sustainability,
$59,025,
2003
to 2004.
Publications- Nicholls, S., and Holecek, D. (2008) Engaging Tourism Stakeholders in the Development of Climate Change Decision-Support Tools: A Case Study from Michigan, USA, Tourism Review International, 12, 25-42
- Nicholls, S., Holecek, D.F., and Noh, J. (2008) The Influence of Weather Variability on Golfing Activity: Evidence from Michigan, Tourism Analysis, 13 (2), 117-130
- Nicholls, S., and Amelung, B. (2008) Climate Change and Tourism in North-Western Europe: Impacts and Adaptation, Tourism Analysis, 13 (1), 21-31
- Nicholls, S., and Crompton, J.L. (2007) The Impact of a Golf Course on Residential Property Values, Journal of Sport Management, 21 (4), 555-570
- Amelung, B., Nicholls, S., and Viner, D. (2007) Implications of Global Climate Change for Tourism Flows and Seasonality, Journal of Travel Research, 45, 285-296
- Holecek, D., and Nicholls, S. (2007) Technology's Role in State Strategic Tourism Planning: A Michigan Case Study, Annual Meeting of the European Chapter of the Travel and Tourism Research Association
- Nicholls, S., Climate Change, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Transatlantic Monthly, Feb-Mar, 14-16, 2006
- Crompton, J.L., and Nicholls, S. (2006) An Assessment of Tax Revenues Generated by Homes Proximate to a Greenway, Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 24 (3), 103-108
- Nicholls, S. (2006) Implications of Climate Change for Tourism and Outdoor Recreation in, Managing Leisure: An International Journal, 11 (3), 151-163
- Nicholls, S. (2006) Marketing Michigan's Heritage Route In Holloway, J.C. (eds), The Business of Tourism, Harlow, UK, Pearson Education Ltd, 644-653 pages (bookchapter)
- Park, S.H., Latkova, P., and Nicholls, S. (2006) Image of the United States as a Travel Destination: A Case Study of United Kingdom College Students, Annual Meeting of the Travel and Tourism Research Association
- Nicholls, S., and Amelung, B. (2006) Implications of Climate Change for Tourism in Northern Europe, Annual Meeting of the Travel and Tourism Research Association
- Latkova, P., Park, S.H., and Nicholls, S. (2006) United States College Students' Travel Behaviors and Perceptions: A Case Study of the United Kingdom as a Travel Destination, Annual Meeting of the Travel and Tourism Research Association
- Nicholls, S., and Crompton, J.L. (2005) The Impact of Greenways on Property Values: Evidence From Austin, Texas, Journal of Leisure Research, 37 (3), 321-341
- Nicholls, S., and Crompton, J.L. (2005) Impacts of Regional Parks on Property Values in Texas, Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 23 (2), 87-108
- Nicholls, S. and Crompton, J.L. (2005) Why Do People Choose to Live in Golf Course Communities?, Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 23 (1), 37-52
- Viner, D., and Nicholls. S. (2005) Climate Change and its Implications for International Tourism In Buhalis, D. and Costa, C. (eds), Tourism Management Dynamics: Trends, Management and Tools, London, UK, Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann, 39-30 pages (bookchapter)
- Shih, C., and Nicholls, S. (2005) How Does the Weather Influence Travel Activity? Evidence from Michigan, Annual Meeting of the Travel and Tourism Research Association
- Nicholls, S., Vogt, C., and Jun, S.H., Heeding the Call for Heritage Tourism, Parks and Recreation, September 2004
- Nicholls, S., Measuring the Impact of Parks on Property Values, Parks and Recreation, 24-32, March 2004
- Warbach, J.D., and Nicholls, S., Overcoming Impediments to Smart Growth, Planning and Zoning News, 22(11), 5-11, 2004
- Nicholls, S. (2004) The Impacts of Water-Based Features on Property Values In Crompton, J.L. (eds), The Proximate Principle: The Impact of Parks, Open Space and Water Features on Residential Property Values and the Property Tax Base, Second edition, Ashburn, VA, National Recreation and Park Association, 123-139 pages (bookchapter)
- Nicholls, S., and Shih, C. (2004) Impact of Climate Change on Recreation and Tourism in Michigan, Second International Workshop on Climate, Tourism and Recreation
- Nicholls, S. and Latkova, P. (2004) Do Socio-Economics Influence Access to Open Space? A Case Study from Michigan, Open Space - People Space Conference
- Nicholls, S., Measures of Success: Measuring Park Accessibility Using GIS, Parks and Recreation, 52-55, August 2003
- Nicholls, S. (2003) Climate Change and Tourism, Annals of Tourism Research, 31 (1), 238-240
- Wright, B.A., Kaiser, R.A., and Nicholls, S. (2002) Rural Landowner Liability for Recreational Injuries: Myths, Perceptions and Realities, Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 57 (3), 183-191
- Nicholls, S. and Shafer, C. S. (2001) Measuring Accessibility and Equity in a Local Park System: the Utility of Geospatial Technologies to Park and Recreation Professionals, Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 19 (4), 102-124
- Nicholls, S. (2001) Measuring the Accessibility and Equity of Public Parks: a Case Study Using GIS, Managing Leisure: An International Journal, 6, 201-219
- Shih, C., Nicholls, S. and Holecek, D.F., Impact of Weather on Downhill Ski Lift Ticket Sales, Journal of Travel Research, In Press
Profile DetailsCOS Expertise ID #1037459 Individual Expertise profile of Sarah Nicholls, Copyright Sarah Nicholls. © COS Expertise TM, 2009, ProQuest LLC All rights reserved. |