Evidence-Based Research
The research behind every program, methodology, and framework here is real, documented, and available. This page collects the key work completed, in progress, and foundational.
Doctoral research
Forest Bathing in Metro Vancouver: A Randomized Crossover Study Examining Health Outcomes and Environmental and Vegetation Influences PhD Dissertation · UBC Faculty of Forestry · Defended May 2025
My dissertation investigated forest bathing in urban settings across Metro Vancouver parks using a randomized crossover design. The study examined physiological and psychological health outcomes, and whether specific environmental and vegetation factors — canopy cover, acoustic conditions, air quality, microclimate — predict those outcomes.
Key findings:
- Measurable health benefits of forest bathing were consistent across weather conditions
- Specific environmental factors, not just presence in nature, drove outcome differences
- Urban forests can deliver therapeutic benefit without wilderness access
The Stepwise Sensory Arc — a progressive framework for sensory engagement — emerged from this research and forms the methodological basis of Sit Spot Club.
Full dissertation available upon request. Academic citations available at the Research page.
Silent Trails
Silent Trails Pilot Program — Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Methodology development and field implementation · 2022–2025
In collaboration with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, I developed and piloted a soundscape assessment methodology for identifying and designating quiet trail corridors. The methodology integrates acoustic measurement, ecological considerations, and visitor experience data to evaluate trails for therapeutic and habitat potential.
The pilot assessed multiple sites across the regional park network and produced a methodology report that parks departments can adopt and cite in policy decisions.
→ Full methodology and findings at silenttrails.ca
Academic work in progress
Papers currently in preparation from doctoral research findings. Titles and publication venues withheld until submission. Updates posted here as work advances.
If you are a researcher or journalist seeking to cite or discuss this work, contact [email protected].
SECTION: Citizen science — Safecast
12 years with Safecast · 2011–present
Safecast is an open environmental data organization founded after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. I have contributed to community radiation and air quality monitoring as a science educator and data contributor for over a decade.
This work informs my evidence-based approach to environmental monitoring and my belief that public data collection, done rigorously, creates genuine scientific value.
→ safecast.org
Conference presentations and talks
Selected presentations:
- International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) · Sweden
- World Conference on Forests and Parks for Public Health
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
- Caltech
- SXSW
- The White House
- UBC Faculty of Forestry (multiple)
- UBC Climate Scholars
- BC Nature Annual General Meeting
- GEF Assembly Members (UN)
- International Forest Therapy Conference (virtual)
Frameworks
The Four Pillars of Connection in Nature
A research-informed framework for understanding the relationships that emerge when people are in natural settings — not different ways to connect to nature, but the relationships that arise from being present within it.
01 — Self: Inner knowing, nervous system regulation, personal vitality 02 — Others: Human relationship, community, shared experience 03 — More-than-human world: Forests, waters, animals, living systems 04 — Meaning / Spirit: Purpose, transcendence, belonging to something larger
This framework underpins program design for Sit Spot Club, the structure of Forest Spaces, and the speaking and research agenda.
The Stepwise Sensory Arc
The proprietary research framework developed through doctoral fieldwork for progressive sensory engagement in natural settings. Forms the methodological backbone of Sit Spot Club.
Research findings: three dimensions of connection
The research reveals three interconnected dimensions of nature connection that emerge from both guided and self-guided forest bathing:
Connection with nature: Both guided and self-guided experiences foster relationship with the living world, but in different ways. People develop deeper awareness of natural systems and their place within them. “This was a relaxing, thoughtful experience. It helped me realize my place in nature and the power of the forest. I was left feeling humbled by the forest itself.”
Connection with self: Self-guided experiences particularly support personal exploration and reflection. “Giving myself permission to simply sit in the woods doing nothing but breathing in and out and feeling the breeze on my skin felt like such a luxury.”
Connection with others: Guided experiences provide structure, education, and meaningful social interaction. Many participants found that guided sessions prepared them for deeper self-guided practice. “I appreciated being guided today because it helped me to not think about things I normally do.”
Research collaboration
Open to collaboration with academic institutions and public health agencies. Current interests:
- Public health data: Integrating park usage and environmental quality data with community health metrics.
- Acoustic ecology: Studying long-term impacts of urban noise mitigation on stress reduction.
- Accessible interventions: Testing AR and virtual nature experiences for populations facing physical or logistical barriers to forests.
→ [email protected] for collaboration inquiries.
For academic citations, research collaboration inquiries, or media requests: [email protected]