Staff | Faculty Affiliates | Research Assistants | Past Contributors
A team of Research Assistants, made up of four graduate students of various disciplines, provide assistance in research to advance Center initiatives in support of sustainability and tourism.
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| Katherine Baucom, Director of East Coast Operations, Sustainable Travel International Katherine received her bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning with an emphasis in coastal management from East Carolina University. She is now working towards a master's degree in geography, focusing on environmental planning and tourism development. Katie is an avid scuba diver. Having spent time diving in places like Roatan, Cozumel , and Turks and Caicos, she developed a passion for environmental conservation and cultural heritage protection. Her love of travel led to backpacking trip throughout Europe that furthered her desire for a career in sustainable tourism. Katie now directs Sustainable Travel International's efforts on the East Coast in partnership with the Center. |
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| Ryan Covington, Research Assistant - Climate Initiative Ryan is currently a master's candidate in the Department of Geography. He graduated with a BS in Geography in 2005. His work for the Center focuses on understanding the two-way link between climate and the tourism industry. Not only does long term climate change affect planning horizons for businesses, but short term seasonal variability also impacts the ability of businesses to meet their triple bottom line. His research efforts are targeted toward effectively informing businesses about the relationships between climate and tourism and helping them increase planning horizons to be more profitable and sustainable. Ryan's personal research interests include activism strategies for international grassroots organizations and NGOs working for social and environmental justice in the face of increasing globalization and State resistance. |
|  | Mary Paul, Eastern North Carolina Regional Representative Mary comes to the North Carolina Center for Sustainable Tourism as a master's candidate in the Public Administration Program. Mary's research focuses on identification of resources, actors and policy approaches that will guide the implementation of the Center's programs and initiatives. Mary's prior experience includes serving Members of Congress in both the House and the Senate in a variety of capacities. She also has worked in the nonprofit field and on a number of political campaigns. With the MPA, Mary plans to return to the nonprofit arena in the area of government relations and grant and contract funding assistance. Mary is a native of Beaufort County, enjoys sailing, piano, the French cinema and American film classics. |
