People

Dr. Howie Harshaw is an associate professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation at the University of Alberta. He examines the human dimensions of natural resources, with an emphasis on outdoor recreation in an effort to understand the relationships that people have with nature, and to investigate the interactions of resource development and quality of life. Howie integrates social science into the planning and management of natural resources, and has worked regularly in interdisciplinary teams to provide theoretically based empirical research contributions to broader landscape-based projects examining sustainability issues. Howie teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and supervises graduate students in their research.

Contact Information:
Howie Harshaw, PhD
Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation
University of Alberta
2-130J Van Vliet Complex (University Hall)
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H9
Tel: 780-492-6821
Email: harshaw [at] ualberta.ca


Janelle Goodine is a current M.Sc. student in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. She became interested in exploring human-nature relationships after completing her undergraduate studies in conservation biology. Since then, her research has become more focused around the human dimensions of environmental protection. Janelle’s thesis investigates women’s lived experiences among outdoor recreation opportunities in Alberta. She loves to spend time promoting a leisure driven, simpler lifestyle. This includes volunteering with various nature-based organizations in Alberta, bouldering at a local climbing gym, practicing yoga, and making the occasional odd-looking mug in pottery. She enjoys spending quality time outdoors by hiking, cross-country skiing, gardening, and identifying local flora and fauna in her region.


Eric Smith is a conservation professional, registered professional biologist, and M.Sc. student in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation. His research examines the human dimension of wildlife conservation. Eric’s thesis research investigates upland game bird hunting in Alberta and how changes to hunting regulations may change hunter satisfaction and behaviour. Eric works on wicked problems combining his knowledge of conservation biology and human behaviour to build collaborative solutions with indigenous governments, communities and stakeholders. His work has taken him across North America to address issues on the topics of wildlife harvest, commercial and recreational fisheries management, cumulative effects assessment and management, Environmental Assessment, industrial impact assessment, and provincial government-indigenous government co-management.

Eric graduated in 2020. His thesis, “Why hunt upland game birds? Pheasant, grey partridge and sharp-tailed grouse hunter motivations, satisfaction and recreation specialization” is available here.

Contact Information:
Email: egs [at] ualberta.ca