College of Education and Human Development
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Research

The School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism values research and scholarship.  Faculty members expand knowledge and understanding in a variety of disciplines and fields by publishing research findings in prestigious journals and by making presentations to national and international audiences.  Additionally, RHT scholars support the research of others by serving on advisory committees and editorial boards, and as leaders of influential state, national, and international professional associations.

Laboratories and Centers

To support faculty and student research and scholarship, the school operates several laboratories and research centers. In addition to the laboratories and centers listed below, plans are currently under way to establish a Sports Medicine Research Laboratory under the direction of Dr. Shane Caswell.

The Human Performance Research Laboratory
Housed in the 110,000 square foot Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center on the Prince William campus, the Human Performance Research lab supports basic and applied research in Exercise Physiology and related academic areas.

Center for Recreation and Tourism Research and Policy (CRTRP)
Under the direction of Dr. Ellen Rodgers, this center located on the Prince William campus promotes research and disseminates information in the areas of recreation, parks, natural resource management, and tourism.

Center for Outdoor Education (COE)
The COE, under the direction of Ms. Susan Johnson and located at the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s Hemlock Overlook, provides experiential activities and cooperative outdoor education and leadership for schools, businesses, community groups, and numerous other organizations.

Center for the Advancement of Public Health (CAPH)
The CAPH, located on the Fairfax Campus and under the direction of Dr. David Anderson, conducts research on health promotion, safety, and alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse prevention.

National Center for Public Safety Fitness (NCPSF)
Housed on the Fairfax campus, this center focuses on the dissemination of information relating to health promotion and illness prevention for police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other public safety personnel.