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Research
Research Overview
Research Overview
My research explores how natural environments, outdoor recreation, and nature-based interventions contribute to human health and well-being.
My research explores how natural environments, outdoor recreation, and nature-based interventions contribute to human health and well-being.
Drawing on my interdisciplinary background in forestry, parks and recreation, environmental psychology, and public health, I investigate the health benefits of nature-based experiences and how these benefits can be translated into evidence-based programs and practices.
Drawing on my interdisciplinary background in forestry, parks and recreation, environmental psychology, and public health, I investigate the health benefits of nature-based experiences and how these benefits can be translated into evidence-based programs and practices.
My research integrates quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, with particular emphasis on forest therapy intervention design, implementation, and evaluation.
My research integrates quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, with particular emphasis on forest therapy intervention design, implementation, and evaluation.
As both a researcher and a certified forest therapy practitioner in the United States and Taiwan, I am committed to bridging scientific evidence and professional practice to advance nature-based health promotion in parks, educational institutions, and communities.
As both a researcher and a certified forest therapy practitioner in the United States and Taiwan, I am committed to bridging scientific evidence and professional practice to advance nature-based health promotion in parks, educational institutions, and communities.
Research Areas
Research Areas
Nature & Human Health
Nature & Human Health
Understanding how exposure to natural environments and participation in nature-based experiences influence psychological, physiological, cognitive, and social well-being.
My research examines outcomes such as stress recovery, anxiety, loneliness, creativity, and nature connectedness across different populations and environmental settings.
Forest Therapy & Interventions
Forest Therapy & Interventions
Advancing the design, implementation, and evaluation of structured nature-based health interventions, particularly guided forest therapy.
I investigate how practitioner training, certification, facilitation practices, and intervention characteristics contribute to program implementation and participant outcomes.
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Exploring how parks, recreational environments, visitor experiences, and management strategies can support meaningful, accessible, and health-promoting connections with nature.
My work seeks to connect nature and health research with evidence-based outdoor recreation and protected area management.
Current & Selected Research Projects
Current & Selected Research Projects
Green Safety Net of Nature Rx: Enhancing Health in College Students through Forest Therapy
Principal Investigator | Clemson University | 2024–Present
Funding: REI Cooperative Action Fund | $10,000
Green Safety Net of Nature Rx: Enhancing Health in College Students through Forest Therapy
Principal Investigator | Clemson University | 2024–Present
Funding: REI Cooperative Action Fund | $10,000
I lead this funded research project to implement and evaluate guided forest therapy and meditation classes at the South Carolina Botanical Garden on Clemson University's campus. The project investigates how structured nature-based interventions can help college students develop coping strategies, reduce stress, strengthen their connection with nature, and improve psychological health and well-being.
In addition to evaluating student outcomes, the project supports research capacity building by providing researchers with opportunities to gain expertise in nature-based mental health interventions and pursue forest therapy guide certification through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT).
Through this project, Clemson University joined the Campus Nature Rx Network, connecting the university with a broader community of institutions advancing nature-based health and well-being.
I am also the Co-Founder and Education & Outreach Lead of Clemson Nature Rx, a campus initiative dedicated to promoting student well-being through nature-based experiences, education, and community engagement. In this leadership role, I help bridge research and practice by developing educational programs, facilitating forest therapy experiences, and expanding campus outreach and collaboration.
Together, these efforts aim to strengthen the evidence base for nature-based health interventions while supporting the integration of nature into higher education, campus wellness programs, and institutional partnerships.
Forest Therapy Implementation Model: Linking Training, Practice, and Outcomes
Doctoral Researcher | Clemson University | 2025–Present
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Forest Therapy Implementation Model: Linking Training, Practice, and Outcomes
Doctoral Researcher | Clemson University | 2025–Present
Doctoral Dissertation Research
My doctoral research focuses on developing an integrative framework for understanding forest therapy implementation across three interconnected levels: practitioner training, intervention delivery, and participant outcomes.
The research investigates how training and certification programs prepare forest therapy practitioners, how practitioners translate their training into real-world facilitation practices, and how guided forest therapy interventions influence participant well-being.
By linking training, practice, and outcomes, this work aims to strengthen the theoretical foundations, implementation quality, and evidence-based development of forest therapy programs.
Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Use Research
Graduate Research Assistant | Clemson University | 2025–2026
Project Period: 2024–2026
Funding: U.S. National Park Service | $95,176 (total project award)
Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Use Research
Graduate Research Assistant | Clemson University | 2025–2026
Project Period: 2024–2026
Funding: U.S. National Park Service | $95,176 (total project award)
This research project investigated visitor characteristics and experiences to support visitor use management at Joshua Tree National Park.
My responsibilities included coordinating field research logistics, administering visitor intercept and online surveys, managing and analyzing visitor data, and authoring the comprehensive technical report submitted to the U.S. National Park Service.
The project strengthened my experience in applied social science research, visitor use monitoring, and translating research findings into actionable information for national park management.
Effects of Forest Therapy on Cognitive Performance and Mental Health in Older Adults
Research Assistant, Intervention Development | National Taiwan University | 2021–2023
Project Period: 2021–2024
Funding: Taiwan Ministry of Science and Technology | NT$2,701,000
Effects of Forest Therapy on Cognitive Performance and Mental Health in Older Adults
Research Assistant, Intervention Development | National Taiwan University | 2021–2023
Project Period: 2021–2024
Funding: Taiwan Ministry of Science and Technology | NT$2,701,000
I developed and implemented a 12-week guided forest therapy intervention for community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan.
My responsibilities included intervention design, program delivery, supervision of research assistants and volunteers, participant coordination, and data collection and analysis. I collaborated with interdisciplinary research teams in forestry, neuroscience, and occupational therapy to examine cognitive, psychological, and physical health outcomes.
This project contributed to my expertise in translating forest therapy theory into structured, research-based intervention programs.
Research Methods & Expertise
Research Methods & Expertise
My research draws on a diverse range of methodological approaches:
My research draws on a diverse range of methodological approaches:
- Research Design: Experimental and quasi-experimental studies, randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, and mixed-methods research.
- Quantitative Research: Statistical analysis, group comparisons, intervention outcome evaluation, and psychophysiological and psychological assessments.
- Qualitative Research: Interviews, focus groups, thematic analysis, and qualitative data interpretation.
- Evidence Synthesis: Systematic and scoping reviews, literature screening, data extraction, and PRISMA-guided reporting.
- Spatial Research: Geographic information systems (GIS), spatial analysis, and visitor use research.
Future Research Directions
Future Research Directions
My long-term research vision is guided by the philosophy of “Healthy Earth, Healthy People,” grounded in the belief that human health and well-being are deeply interconnected with the health of our natural environment. Drawing inspiration from the One Health approach, I aspire to advance interdisciplinary research that recognizes the relationships between healthy ecosystems, human well-being, and environmental sustainability.
My long-term research vision is guided by the philosophy of “Healthy Earth, Healthy People,” grounded in the belief that human health and well-being are deeply interconnected with the health of our natural environment. Drawing inspiration from the One Health approach, I aspire to advance interdisciplinary research that recognizes the relationships between healthy ecosystems, human well-being, and environmental sustainability.
My research agenda focuses on advancing evidence-based nature and health interventions by investigating their benefits, design, implementation, and evaluation across diverse populations and settings. In particular, I seek to understand how practitioner training, certification, and facilitation practices influence intervention quality and participant outcomes.
My research agenda focuses on advancing evidence-based nature and health interventions by investigating their benefits, design, implementation, and evaluation across diverse populations and settings. In particular, I seek to understand how practitioner training, certification, and facilitation practices influence intervention quality and participant outcomes.
As a practitioner-researcher, I am committed to bridging scientific research and professional practice. Beyond generating scientific knowledge, I hope my research will provide practical guidance for forest therapy practitioners, educators, and program developers, supporting the development of effective, accessible, and culturally responsive nature-based interventions.
As a practitioner-researcher, I am committed to bridging scientific research and professional practice. Beyond generating scientific knowledge, I hope my research will provide practical guidance for forest therapy practitioners, educators, and program developers, supporting the development of effective, accessible, and culturally responsive nature-based interventions.
At the heart of my work is a Taiwanese philosophy that has shaped my personal and professional journey: 「用生命影響生命」 (One Life Inspiring Another). I believe meaningful change begins through human connection, shared experiences, and the relationships we cultivate with one another and the natural world.
At the heart of my work is a Taiwanese philosophy that has shaped my personal and professional journey: 「用生命影響生命」 (One Life Inspiring Another). I believe meaningful change begins through human connection, shared experiences, and the relationships we cultivate with one another and the natural world.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, education, and community engagement, I aspire to create research that not only advances scientific understanding but also empowers practitioners, enriches people's lives, and contributes to healthier communities and a healthier planet.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, education, and community engagement, I aspire to create research that not only advances scientific understanding but also empowers practitioners, enriches people's lives, and contributes to healthier communities and a healthier planet.
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