Trailblazers: when scholarship meets recreation: from hiking trails to academic journals, Nina Roberts leaves her mark.

Nina Roberts may have a doctorate degree from Colorado State University, but the school of life has taught her just as much. She has worked for the National Park Service, recreation and adventure-based programs, parks management, youth camps and as the education representative for the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association. But foremost, Roberts is an academic. She has been on the faculty of several universities, including George Mason University and the University of Maryland, and is regularly published in academic journals, including Women in Natural Resources and the World Leisure Journal. Her work often examines cultural diversity and women's issues. Most notably, however, Roberts' was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, which will place her in the Indo-American Environmental Leadership Program in India this summer.

Most proud moment: "My most proud moment occurred in 1997. I was the national coordinator of a major initiative called 'Take Back the Trails.' It was an initiative that invited 30,000 women and men allies across the country to hike, backpack or go camping over Memorial Day weekend. This was sparked by a homicide of two young women backpackers. The purpose was to demonstrate a commitment and a belief in opposing violence against women while participating in outdoor recreation. I took the reins over the coordination effort and led this small planning team--it was a huge success.

Words of wisdom: "A great piece of advice I'd like to share with young professionals is the fact that learning to effectively cross cultural boundaries is so very important. People struggle with that throughout their lifetime. But if you learn that early on in your career, you can have a grounding that many people find very challenging."

Favorite slogan: "My favorite slogan, more of an axiom--because I use it the most and it has broad application--is 'you never know until you ask', and that can also relate to your job if you want something in your workplace. If there's something you want to know about someone's background or attitude or behavior, don't assume, ask."

Influences on her life: "NRPA has been a huge influence for my entire career. For me personally and professionally, NRPA has paved the way and has been a catalyst in my professional development. Similarly, regarding my primary emphasis on outdoor recreation brings me to another organization that has been a great source of inspiration, the Association for Experiential Education. I've been involved with both organizations for 15 to 20 years. The connections I've made, and colleagueship and friendships I've developed through both NRPA and AEE are what has helped shape and become a large influence in my personal life and professional career."

Name: Nina Roberts, PhD.

Title: Assistant Professor, Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at San Francisco State University 

Member since: 1987