Sharon is a statewide CE Specialist in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) where she develops research and extension programs that enhance the economic and social benefits of outdoor recreation and tourism while promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability in the state of California. Her research focuses on the connections between outdoor recreation, conservation finance, visitor use management, and sustainable tourism development, with an emphasis on understanding how outdoor recreation and tourism can support conservation efforts and benefit local communities. Prior to joining UC ANR, Sharon was an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a postdoctoral fellow at Temple University. She earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University and an B.S. in Events and Tourism Management from Sen Yat-Sen University.
