This page brings together a diverse group of Recreation, Sport and Tourism students whose work reflects how people engage with recreation, sport and tourism systems in ways that shape communities, health and everyday life. Each profile offers a snapshot of a student’s academic journey—what drew them to the field, the questions they are pursuing, and how they are applying their learning in real-world contexts. From examining access and equity in youth sport systems, to advancing sustainable tourism and destination development, to exploring the role of recreation in health and well-being, these stories highlight the applied, outcomes-driven nature of RST. They reflect our commitment to integrating research, teaching and engagement, and to preparing students to design, manage and lead across the evolving experience economy.
Taylor de Boer
Taylor de Boer, an RST 485 student concentrating in sport, is making an impact through her internship experience with Uplifting Athletes. Taylor recently traveled to Philadelphia as a featured speaker at a national conference alongside 130 student athletes from across the country, where she addressed the importance of leveraging one’s platform and the positive influence athletes can have beyond their sport. As she approaches her December graduation, Taylor plans to pursue a master’s program before embarking on a professional volleyball career in Europe. Her trajectory is a testament to the real-world preparation the RST program provides.
Mengqing Wang
Mengqing Wang is a Ph.D. student, with a concentration in Tourism. She chose RST for its welcoming, supportive environment and the opportunity to work closely with her advisor on research that aligns with her academic interests. Her days are often spent attending classes, working in the research lab alongside her cohort and faculty mentors and maintaining a healthy balance through fitness and daily routines. For Mengqing, one of the most rewarding parts of the RST experience is the opportunity to collaborate in person with her research group, creating a productive and engaging academic community. After completing her Ph.D., she hopes to pursue a career in academia.
Olivia Crickman
Olivia is a Ph.D. student, blue spaces researcher and proud dachshund mom to her dog, Chili. Olivia’s journey to RST started in hospitality management, but when Dr. Monika Stodolska introduced her to the world of research, she found her calling. Now, she’s focused on studying social media addiction, specifically, infinite scroll and short-form content, among adolescents, and the powerful role blue spaces can play in promoting well-being. Her days are full: morning coffee with Chili, course readings, writing sessions and bus rides to the lab. What keeps her going? The people. “The students, faculty, and staff lift me up as a student and scholar in every way they can.” Olivia co-instructs RST 230 and mentors undergraduate James Scholar student Samantha Katz, who is researching the effects of social media fitness influencers on college women. If she can change one life for the better, she says, that is everything.
Ethan Payne
RST student Ethan Payne spent his weekend behind the scenes at the NCAA Final Four, getting hands-on field experience. Ethan helped inflate more than 3,000 basketballs and assemble participant packages at the NCAA warehouse, then led a waiver station and coordinated fan and sponsor relations at Fan Fest, all while 3,000 kids dribbled a mile and a half from Carroll Stadium to the convention center in the iconic Dribble event. He even hit the floor to hand out merchandise during promotional activities. To cap it off, Ethan worked the National Championship game as part of the NCAA’s Green Team, championing the organization’s sustainability efforts and keeping the event eco-friendly. This opportunity traces back to an RST bus trip to Indianapolis last November, where Ethan connected with the Indiana Sports Corp; a reminder of just how far one networking moment can go.
Ian Hall
Ian Hall is a second-year 4+1 master’s student whose experience has been defined by hands-on learning and real-world opportunities. While completing his graduate studies, Ian spends much of his time working with the Illinois women’s soccer program and supporting practices and operations. During his time at Illinois, he has also served as an event manager for the theatre department and as a lead videographer with the Illinois Athletics creative team. Through RST, he even had the opportunity to volunteer at a U.S. Women’s National Team match. After graduation, Ian will begin a full-time role with Illinois women’s soccer and hopes to continue building a career in athletic administration at the University of Illinois.
Darcy Lu
Darcy Lu is a Ph.D. student and graduate research assistant working to strengthen communities across the state. Darcy was drawn to RST’s strong research culture and supportive academic environment. Now, as a research assistant with the Office of Recreation and Park Resources under the mentorship of Dr. Laura Payne, she’s putting that culture into action. Her work partners with park districts across the state to conduct community assessments, surveys, interviews, workshops and board meetings; connecting research to local decision-making in meaningful ways. It is the type of work that bridges scholarship and practice, and Darcy is doing it with purpose.
Nicole Dudek
Nicole Dudek is graduate student in RST’s 4+1 BS/MS program with a concentration in recreation and tourism. For Nicole, RST has always been about experiential learning and making a real difference in the communities we serve. That philosophy guided her this past summer when she interned with Allerton Park and Retreat Center as their event and programming Intern. This experience gave her a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, operations, and community connection that make a historic park come alive. Nicole has also gained valuable experience as a GA with the Office of Recreation and Park Resources, as a TA for RST 335, and by earning her certificate in Agritourism Management with Teaching Assistant Professor Renata Endres. From the classroom to the field, Nicole embodies what it means to be an RST student.
Malaika Bigirindavy
Malaika Bigirindavyi is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at Illinois, and a rising voice in interdisciplinary research. Malaika was drawn to RST for the opportunity to engage in rigorous, interdisciplinary research training and to help build community, both inside and outside the classroom. Her days are a mix of coursework, research support and lively academic discussions with her peers, which she counts among the highlights of her experience so far. Looking ahead, Malaika aspires to work with marginalized communities on liberatory-centered projects that expand critical consciousness. She’s already getting a taste of that work through RST’s IC-ChangeS course (RST 199/594), which she enthusiastically recommends to others. Malaika has quickly made a meaningful impact on the RST community in year one.
Shogo Motoyama
Shohgo Motoyama is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at Illinois, and a passionate researcher of sport fan behavior. Shohgo chose RST for its interdisciplinary research environment and the mentorship of his advisor, Assistant Professor Mikihiro Sato. His work explores the emotional mechanisms behind sport fan engagement, drawing on sport, business and media perspectives. A dedicated educator with two years of experience teaching Marketing (RST 325), Shohgo is as committed to his students as he is to his scholarship. He strives to create learning environments that encourage critical thinking and practical application, while finding as much inspiration in his students’ growth as in his own research. After completing his degree, Shohgo aims to join a university faculty where he can continue shaping the field of sport marketing and consumer behavior. Shohgo’s energy and expertise make him a vital part of the RST community.