Kelly Whitney-Squire
Kelly Whitney-Squire
Masters Recreation Management '10
Doctoral Candidate, Researcher, Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship award winner
What I Learned
I came to Acadia University in July 2009 to complete my Master's in Recreation Management. I drove across Canada from Vancouver Island to work with John Colton and have had an amazing time here in Nova Scotia. The research for my thesis was done in Haida Gwaii, Canada and I spent two months there this past May and June. Haida Gwaii is incredibly beautiful and it was an honour to work with the Haida on my research project exploring the Aboriginal ecotourism and community-based development. Since returning to Acadia University in July, I worked hard to complete my thesis early and successfully defended it early in December. I also applied for and received the scholarship from Otago University to complete my PhD in Tourism Management. I intend to head there mid February and I'm absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity. My research with involve the use of traditional art and language in tourism products and services by Aboriginal peoples..
My Acadia Highlights
I am originally from the Yukon and more recently British Columbia, but Nova Scotia has been a great opportunity to experience another part of Canada. The time here has gone by so fast and I have grown academically and personally as a result of my involvement with the Recreation Management program here at Acadia University. As of December 10th I will be driving back across Canada to British Columbia with my co-pilot dog, Mr. Finnigan and hoping for good/better weather. I have a blog if anyone cares to check it out: www.fromheretoacadia.blogspot.com.