Lucas RapisardaFaculty

My research interests sit firmly at the intersection between science and society -- how are our ideas of nature, environment, and outdoor recreation shaped by the sociocultural systems of our society? My dissertation research explored these questions through the lens of adult international immigrants attending English language classes in Minneapolis - St. Paul. Working with an interdisciplinary cohort of adult language instructors, environmental educators, and adult immigrants, I developed a place-based natural history curriculum (Nature for New Minnesotans) with a dual purpose of meeting English language and environmental learning goals. Ultimately, I hope my academic research reduces access constraints to outdoor spaces for historically marginalized communities and in turn diversifying what conservation science can look like in a rapidly changing world. 

When I am not teaching, I enjoy anything in the outdoors -- bikepacking, canoeing, and hiking with my partner Megan and dog Ruby are among my favorites.