History of the HOPE Lab
Prior to the development of the HOPE Lab, Drs. Rebecca Battista (Health & Exercise Science) and Joy James (Recreation Management & Physical Education) facilitated a research cluster that investigated the role of outdoor play on health, the environment, and human development. Seven faculty from across Appalachian State University participated in the project to identify and examine the classic texts related to the nature movement with a focus on outdoor play and health. The HOPE Lab was established to bring together researchers and practitioners from a variety of disciplines and fields to promote health through spending time in the outdoors engaged in physical activity, exercise, and play.
Current Goals
To develop a HOPE Student Champion program that promotes Health, Outdoor Play and Exercise at Appalachian State University.
To contribute to the public health, exercise science and leisure scholarly literature on the effectiveness of Outdoor Play Rx programs.
To seek out resources and funding for a regional Outdoor Play Rx research study.
To develop relationships with regional pediatricians, Parks & Recreation Departments and health insurance providers.
Researchers
Rebecca A. Battista, PhD
Team Co-Lead and Professor of Exercise Science
Health & Exercise Science
battistara@appstate.edu
J. Joy James, PhD
Team Co-Lead and Professor of Recreation Management
Recreation Management & Physical Education
jamesjj@appstate.edu
Robert Broce, PhD
Team Member and Associate Professor of Social Work
Social Work
brocers@appstate.edu
Richard W. Christiana, PhD
Team Member and Associate Professor of Public Health
Health & Exercise Science
christianarw@appstate.edu
Team Member and Assistant Professor of Physical Education
Recreation Management & Physical Education
townerbc@appstate.edu
Heather Venrick, DNP
Team Member and Clinical Faculty in Nursing
Nursing
venrickhw@appstate.edu
