BRETT L. BRUYERE
Colorado State University
Human Dimension of Natural Resources Department
Fort Collins, CO 80523
(970) 491-1360
Brett.Bruyere@ColoState.edu
EDUCATION
Degree/ Year
PhD, 2002
M.S., 2000
B.A., 1993
Institution
Colorado State University
Colorado State University
Washington State University
Major/Concentration
Human dimensions of natural resources
Human dimensions of natural resources
Political science / Environmental policy
ACADEMIC POSITIONS
Assistant Professor, Colorado State University Human Dimension of Natural Resources
Department (current appointment). Responsible for teaching upper-division and
graduate level coursework in environmental communication and research methods.
Coordinate efforts for Environmental Communication curriculum and provide leadership
to the future direction of that concentration. Advise 40+ undergraduates and six
graduate students, participate on department and university committees addressing
civic engagement and environmental stewardship.
Director, Colorado State University Environmental Learning Center (current
appointment). Provide leadership, oversight and supervision for administration and
operation of a 212-acre nature center. Includes supervision of 15 member staff;
management of multiple budgets; quality assurance for environmental education
programs; writing multiple proposals and grants annually; maintaining partnerships that
support mission and goals; establish service learning and civic engagement
opportunities with university and community organizations; securing individual and
corporate donations; and development f annual and long-term plans for action.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE (all previous and current courses taught at Colorado State University)
NR 120, Environmental Conservation, an introductory course to environmental science,
conservation and resource management. Students were required to assess campusbased environmental issues and propose solutions, as well as demonstrate knowledge
of and connection to local ecosystems, flora and fauna.
NR 220, Natural Resource Measurements, a four-week summer field course to teach
students taxonomy and fundamentals of natural resource sampling methods. Co-taught
with four instructors on topics related to geographic positioning systems, orienteering
and map reading, trail and trail design, and soil and vegetation impact measurements.
NR 320, Natural Resource History and Policy, a course designed to understand how
various trends, policies and decisions in U.S. history affected natural resources both
then and now. Course includes a unit on policy analysis in which students must assess
recent legislation for its acceptability on behalf of a given organization.
NR 365, Environmental Education, a course designed to equip students with skills and
knowledge to develop and deliver environmental education programs to a variety of
audiences with an emphasis on K-12 classrooms and youth audiences.
NR 440, Land Use Planning, a course designed to equip students with strategies for
planning sustainable ecologically and economically viable communities. Course topics
include planning processes, natural resource constraints and opportunities,
conservation easements and other planning tools, and strategies to balance land use
goals related to growth, agriculture, open space, sense of place and environmental
services.
NR 460, Wilderness Management, a course with an emphasis on fieldwork and
experiential learning to familiarize students with principles and intent of the Wilderness
Act of 1964. Included multiple field trips to expose students to wilderness management
tools and techniques, land inventory strategies and leave-no-trace philosophies.
NRRT 262, Environmental Communication, an introductory course to basic principles of
communication, public involvement, environmental education and social marketing as it
relates to natural resources.
NRRT 330, Social Aspect of Natural Resources, a course to encourage students to
consider the role of social science in natural resource management and planning. Topics
include environmental values and attitudes, planning frameworks, benefits based
management and conflict resolution.
NRRT 376, Recreation Measurements, provides students with skills to design basic
natural resource social science research initiatives, analyze data, interpret statistical
conclusions and present findings in professional style presentations such as manuscripts
and posters.
NRRT 462, Environmental Communication, a senior level capstone course that
addresses how to effectively communicate about complex issues with diverse
audiences. Includes communication, education and cognitive processing theory;
communication plan development; communication strategies; and media relations.
NRRT 463, NGOs and Conservation, a senior level course that examines the structure,
organization, development and missions of conservation-based NGOs, and their role in
contributing to sustainability at local, national and international levels.
NRRT 505, Environmental Education and Planning, a graduate level course that
examines theory and pedagogy in environmental and informal science education, and
frameworks for the delivery of effective environmental education programs.
NRRT 565, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Research Methods, a graduate
level course to introduce students to expectations, tools and steps of scientifically sound
research processes and proposal development. Topics include literature reviews,
methodologies and identifying compelling research topics.
NRRT 605, Human Dimensions Theory, a graduate level course to introduce students to
fundamental issues and theories in natural resource management with an emphasis on
social science. Topics included community based natural resource management,
planning frameworks, attitude and behavior theory and ecosystem management.
PUBLICATIONS
Peer-reviewed research publications (*) indicates graduate student:
Stafford, N. T., Bruyere, B. L., Davis, M., Ehlinger, C., Easterby, S., & Pitchford, A. (in
review). Parents’ Perceived Benefits and Fears about Experiences in Nature for Children.
Journal of Leisure Science.
Bruyere, B. L., Gobbs-Hill, S., & Paulding, L. (in review). Developing a model to predict
participation in informal science education by families in Colorado. Journal of Learning
Environments Research.
Bruyere, B.L., & Roybal, M. (in review). Preparing university faculty for youth outreach
to address the science achievement gap in the United States. Journal of Community
Engagement and Higher Education.
Bruyere, B. L., Nash, P. & Mbogella, F. (in second review). Predicting participation in
environmental education by teachers in coastal regions of Tanzania. Journal of
Environmental Education.
*Schweizer, S., Thompson, J., Teel, T., & Bruyere, B. (in press). Strategies for
communicating about climate change impacts on public lands. Science Communication.
Bruyere, B. L.., & Salazar, G. (in press). Engaging Latino audiences in out-of-school
programs about science. Journal of Extension.
Bruyere, B. L., Newman, P., & Teel, T. (in press). Response to “More kids in the woods:
Reconnecting Americans with nature.” Journal of Forestry.
Martin, C. B., Bright, A.B., Cafaro, P., & Bruyere, B. L. (2009). Assessing the development
of environmental virtue in an ELOB School. Journal of Experiential Education, 31(3), 341358.
Bruyere, B. L, Beh, A. W., & Lelengula, G. (2009). Differences in perceptions of
communication, tourism benefits and management issues in a Kenya protected area.
Journal of Environmental Management, 43, 49-59.
Bruyere, B. L., Billingsley, E., & O’Day, L. (2008). A closer examination of barriers to
participation in informal science education for Latinos and Caucasians. Journal of
Women and Minorities in Science, 14(4), 431-445.
Bruyere, B. L. (2008). The effect of environmental education on the ecological literacy of
first-year college students. Journal of Natural and Life Science Education, 37.
*Beh, A. W., & Bruyere, B. L. (2007). Segmentation by visitor motivation in three Kenyan
national reserves. Tourism Management, 28(6), 1464-1471.
Newman, P., Bruyere, B. L. & Beh, A. (2007). Service as a method for teaching
environmental leadership. Journal of Experiential Education, 30(1), 54-69.
Bruyere, B. L., & Rappe, S. (2007). The motivations of outdoor volunteers. Journal of
Environmental Planning and Management, 50(4), 503-516.
Bruyere, B. L. (2002). Appropriate benefits for outdoor programs targeting juvenile
male offenders. Journal of Experiential Education, 25(1), 207-213.
Bruyere, B. L., Rodriguez, D. A., & Vaske, J. J. (2002). Enhancing importance-performance
through segmentation. Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing, 12(1), 81-95.
Reports
Bruyere, B. L, & Rappe, S. (2006). Volunteer motivations and implications for Volunteers
for Outdoor Colorado. Technical report to the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, Denver.
Bruyere, B. L., Beh, A., Newman, P., & Freimund, W. (2005). Visitor management and
community perceptions of visitor experiences to Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba
National Reserves. Technical report to the African Wildlife Foundation, Washington DC.
Bruyere, B. L. (2004). Effectiveness of a Leave No Trace campaign for City of Boulder
Open Space and Mountain Parks. Technical report to the City of Boulder Open Space
and Mountain Parks, Boulder, CO.
Bruyere, B. L. (2003). Outcomes of service-learning on learning, sense of place and locus
on control. Technical report to the Colorado State University Office for Service-Learning
and Volunteer Programs, Fort Collins, CO.
Bruyere, B. L., Rodriguez, D.A., & Vaske, J. J. (1999). An assessment of the recreational
needs and preferences of the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District. Technical report
to the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District, Estes Park, CO.
Other published work
Bruyere, B.L. (2007). Conservation education: A book review. Human Dimensions of
Wildlife, 12, 71-72.
Timpson, W. M., Kimmel, G. M., Bruyere, B. L., Dunbar, B., & Newman, P. (2006). 147
Practical Tips for Teaching Sustainability. Madison, WI: Atwood Publishing.
Manfredo, M. J., Vaske, J. J., Bruyere, B. L., Field, D. A., & Brown, P. B. (Eds.) (2004).
Society and natural resources: A summary of knowledge. Jefferson City, MO: Modern
Litho.
SYMPOSIA AND PRESENTATIONS
Bruyere, B. L. (2008). Environmental education and under-served populations. Paper
presented at the 2008 Research Symposium for the North American Association for
Environmental Education, October 14-15, Wichita, KS.
Thompson, J., & Bruyere, B. L. (2008). Dealing with people: The basics of environmental
conflict. Invited presenter, Pathways to Success International Conference, September
30, Estes Park, CO.
Martin, B., Bright, A., Cafaro, P., Mittelstaedt, R., & Bruyere, B. (2007, November).
Cultivating environmental virtue among 7th & 8th graders in an Expeditionary Learning
Outward Bound school. Paper presented at the Symposium on Experiential Education
Research. Little Rock, AR.
Timpson, W. T., & Bruyere, B.L. (2006). Teaching sustainability: Challenges and
opportunities. Invited presenter, Colloquium on the Assessment of Student Learning,
April 1-2, 2006, Madison, WI.
Bruyere, B. L. (2004). Opening remarks. International Symposium for Society and
Resource Management, June 2-6, Keystone, CO.
Bruyere, B. L. (2004). Service learning outcomes and the land grant university. Invited
presenter, Colorado Consortium for Service Learning state conference, February 21-23,
Fort Collins, CO.
Bruyere, B. L. (2002). Integrating outdoor-based service learning in higher education.
Invited presenter, North American Association for Environmental Education annual
conference, August 8-11, Boston.
Bruyere, B. L. (2001). Evaluation of a Leave No Trace educational effort. Invited panelist,
Human Dimensions of Natural Resources in the Western United States, Regional
Conference, October 18-21, Alta, WY.
Bruyere, B. L. (2001). Effective approaches for serving youth offenders in outdoor
programs. Invited presenter, Association of Experiential Education Rocky Mountain
Regional Conference, April 2-4, Logan, UT.
SPONSORED RESEARCH & FUNDED PROJECTS
As principal investigator, unless otherwise noted:
2009 Pulliam Charitable Trust. Grant renewal ($61,000) to continue an undergraduate
environmental education and leadership program in the Warner College of
Natural Resources.
2009 National Science Foundation. Research award ($999,000) to investigate
programmatic approaches to successfully engage high-school youth with
environmental science.
2009 Colorado State University Cooperative Extension ($48,000) to collaborate with
youth program leaders in building skills for connecting youth to science and
nature.
2009 Bohemian Foundation. Grant ($14,940) to study and develop programmatic
approaches to engage diverse groups in nature-based education.
2008 Pulliam Charitable Trust. Grant renewal ($63,000) to continue an undergraduate
environmental education and leadership program in the Warner College of
Natural Resources.
2008 American Fish and Wildlife Association (co-PI; $286,153). Improving conservation
education and connection families to nature through programs targeting the
wildlife values of the public is a three-year grant to conduct research that leads
to the development of nature-based family programs to support state fish and
wildlife agencies around the country.
2008 Colorado State University Cooperative Extension ($48,600) to identify
opportunities to enhance youth participation in conservation education
programs in diverse settings.
2008 USFS International Programs Office ($14,000) to assist in building capacity at East
African universities in human dimensions and environmental communication
course delivery.
2007 Pulliam Charitable Trust. Grant renewal ($68,000) to continue an undergraduate
environmental education and leadership program in the Warner College of
Natural Resources.
2007 Center for International Protected Area Management - USDA Forest Service
International Programs. ($3,700) Grant to assess protected area capacity
building needs in Tanzania.
2006 Pulliam Charitable Trust. ($68,000) Grant to develop environmental leadership
student scholar program for the Warner College of Natural Resources.
2006 National Science Foundation ($75,000). Planning grant to identify effective
informal science education framework for land grant universities, with emphasis
on outreach to Hispanic and Latino audiences.
2006 Bohemian Foundation ($18,000) Grant to assess and develop regional
environmental education partnerships for northern Colorado.
2006 Center for International Protected Area Management - USDA Forest Service
International Programs ($25,000). Grant to conduct research and facilitate
trainings for sustainable tourism planning at Samburu National Reserve (Kenya).
2005 Bohemian Foundation ($12,000). Grant to develop and evaluate outdoor based
service-learning program for CSU Environmental Learning Center.
2005 US Environmental Protection Agency ($9,500 ) Grant to develop and evaluate the
use of issue investigation and action training as a teaching tool for middle-school
level instruction about Colorado land use issues.
2004 Center for International Protected Area Management – United States Forest
Service International Programs Office ($21,000). Grant to design and develop an
educational and interpretive research program for Samburu and Buffalo Springs
National Reserves.
2004 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation ($10,000). Grant to develop and evaluate
river restoration and water education program for Poudre River (Colorado).
2003 Bohemian Foundation ($25,000). Grant to develop and implement outdoor
based environmental education and recreation program targeting at-risk youth.
COMMITTEES, SERVICE, OUTREACH AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
College liaison, Faculty Honors Council, Colorado State University
Curriculum Committee, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Dept, Colorado State Univ.
Service Learning Advisory Committee, Colorado State University
Peer reviewer, Society and Natural Resources
Peer reviewer, Journal of Interpretation Research
Peer reviewer, Human Dimensions of Wildlife
Proposal reviewer, National Science Foundation
Advisor, National Council for Science and Environment EnvironMentors Program
Member, Colorado Association for Environmental Education
Member, East Africa Wildlife Society
Member, Children and Nature Network
AWARDS
2007 Exceptional Teaching Award, CSU Honors Program
2008 Best Teacher nominee, Colorado State University
2008 Distinguished Teacher and Advisor, Warner College of Natural Resources,
Colorado State University
2009 Harry E. Troxel Distinguished Service to Students Award, Warner College of
Natural Resources, Colorado State University
2009 Exceptional Achievement in Service-Learning Faculty Award, Colorado State
University
2009 Outstanding Faculty Award, El Centro Student Services, Colorado State University
PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS
Communication manager, Harris/Smith Public Affairs (1994-1997)
Campaign coordinator, Royer-Katz Communication (1993-1994)