Gina grew up outside of the San Francisco Bay Area and earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biological Anthropology and History from the University of California, San Diego. She completed a Master of Science degree in Biological Anthropology at University College London. Her Master’s research studied the influence of age and sex, ecology, and human presence on the behavior of white-faced capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica. This experience led her to complete a doctorate at Clemson University in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management where her research focused on developing stewardship for the environment and improving conservation decision making. Her dissertation examined the transmission of environmental values from sources of influence to young adults. Gina has over five years of experience coordinating research projects with the National Park Service, professional organizations, and local entities. She has also spent time in the classroom teaching both Elements of Recreation and Park Planning and Recreation Administration. She has been heavily involved with the George Wright Society and the International Association for Society and Natural Resources in the past and looks forward to bringing her love of service and research to the Eppley Institute!