Pete Allison, PhD FRGS FEC FYET FBES » Board of Directors

I am an Associate Professor in Values and Experiential Learning in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management.

My research, teaching and service are at the juncture of education (formal and non-formal), health and well being (sport / kinesiology) and recreation (outdoor experiential learning). Prior to coming to The Pennsylvania State University in 2016, I worked in academia in the UK for 20 years.

The main authors who have influenced my thinking are Aristotle, Plato, John Dewey, Charles Taylor, Alasdair MacIntyre and Kurt Hahn. My research is primarily qualitative and/or philosophical in nature although, in recent years, I have collaborated with others to undertake mixed methods research. My research was entered in the UK RAE 2001, 2008 and REF 2014.

Following 17 years working at The University of Edinburgh I moved to the USA in 2016 having accepted a position at The Pennsylvania State University. I am committed to high quality engaging teaching and learning, addressing inequality, widening participation and education that inspires.

My primary research areas are Outdoor experiential leadership, expeditions, sail training and snowsports education.

I am delighted to be a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), Fellow of the Explorers Club (FEC) of New York, Inaugural Fellow of the Young Explorers Trust (FYET) and Inaugural Fellow of the British Exploring Society (FBES). I remain passionate about exploration – especially for young people.

I work with BASI in the UK and PSIA-AASI in USA. I am a passionate skier, mountaineer and canoeist and have a CrossFit addiction.