MacKenzie Conant

Hometown: Billerica, MA

M.S., School of Forest Resources

Advisor: Sandra De Urioste-Stone

Began Conservation Science NRT Program Fall 2020

The world of natural resources and outdoor recreation is constantly evolving and requires collaboration across a spectrum of groups to remain resilient. I was drawn to the NRT Conservation Science program for its focus on transdisciplinary work, communication, and real-life applications. The NRT strives to achieve this through their coursework and internships that allow for collaboration with partners across the state of Maine. 

I received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maine in Parks, Recreation and Tourism, with a concentration in nature-based tourism and a minor in marketing. During my time here, I worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources lab where I gained experience conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, but most importantly, I fell in love with adding a social science component to the management of our natural resources. My current research focuses on risk perceptions of tick-borne diseases among nature-based tourism stakeholders, but my broader interests extend to the field of outdoor recreation and visitor-use management. In my free time, I can be found hiking and biking around the Western Mountains of Maine and Acadia National Park.