
Mele Wheaton
Social Science Research Scholar
Initiative Centers & Program
Bio
Dr. Mele Wheaton is the senior research scholar in the laboratory of Prof. Nicole Ardoin. Her research interests include learning in out-of-school contexts, pro-environmental behavior, and nature-based tourism. As lead on a variety of projects, Mele has studied behavior change in ecotourists in Galapagos and California, environmental identity and action in high-school students participating in an intensive conservation education program, and professional development in environmental educators.
Academic Appointments
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Social Science Research Scholar, Initiative Centers & Program
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Academic Research Staff, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment
Administrative Appointments
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Social Science Research Scholar, Graduate School of Education (2017 - Present)
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Social Science Research Associate, Graduate School of Education (2015 - 2017)
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Postdoctoral Scholar, Graduate School of Education and Woods Institute for the Environment (2011 - 2015)
Honors & Awards
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Chancellor’s Dissertation Year Fellowship, University of California, Santa Cruz (2009-2010)
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Fellowship, Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation (2008)
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Graduate Research Fellowship, Center for Informal Learning and Schools (2004-2008)
Professional Education
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BA, University of California, Santa Cruz, Biology Environmental Studies (1996)
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PhD, University of California, Santa Cruz, Education (Emphasis in Science and Math) (2011)
All Publications
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Using web and mobile technology to motivate pro-environmental action after a nature-based tourism experience
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
2016; 24 (4): 594-615
View details for DOI 10.1080/09669582.2015.1081600
View details for Web of Science ID 000373564400005
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Nature-based tourism's impact on environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior: a review and analysis of the literature and potential future research
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
2015; 23 (6): 838-858
View details for DOI 10.1080/09669582.2015.1024258
View details for Web of Science ID 000353924300002