Tag: overtourism

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Alexis R. Foster Advances to PhD Candidacy

It is with great enthusiasm that The Cavaliere Critical Conservation Lab announces that Alexis R. Foster has advanced from PhD student to PhD candidate. On December 1, 2025, Alexis presented her dissertation topic of “Overtourism Challenges in Two Northern Colorado Recreational Areas: Understanding community perspectives and management approaches in Lory State Park and Horsetooth Reservoir.” This research takes place within the community of Larimer County, specifically Fort Collins and Bellevue, Colorado focused on overtourism perspectives and management approaches at these two locally significant protected areas.

In conjunction with the Lab, Alexis will be investigating overtourism communication strategies employed by management authorities, evaluate how overtourism is addressed within existing management strategies, and will assess park stakeholder concerns regarding overtourism impacts at the two parks. Email Alexis at Alexis.Foster@colostate.edu if you are interested in participating in an interview!

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Dr. Jean Bethke Elshtain Scholarship Awarded!

Dr. Christina T. Cavaliere’s commitment to academic mentorship and scholarly excellence has led to a wonderful achievement for her current PhD student, Alexis Foster, who has been awarded the prestigious Dr. Jean Bethke Elshtain Scholarship. As the director of the Cavaliere Critical Conservation Lab, housed in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department in the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University,  Dr. Cavaliere has cultivated an environment that nurtures rigorous research focused on conservation social science, sustainable tourism, critical thinking and social-ecological justice. Dr. Cavaliere’s nomination articulated Alexis’ contributions to these fields, demonstrating a strong alignment with the intellectual legacy of Dr. Jean Elshtain, whose work in social and political ethics continues to shape academic discourse.

Following a rigorous selection process, Alexis Foster was chosen as a recipient of this distinguished scholarship, recognizing her dedication to interdisciplinary research under Dr. Cavaliere’s tutelage. In the research lab, they extend Dr. Cavaliere’s intersectional research that integrates ecofeminist perspectives,  justice, and sustainable tourism management. Alexis’ scholarship will empower her to continue her doctoral work focused on the impacts of overtourism within Colorado’s Lory State Park and Horsetooth Reservoir.

Congratulations to Dr. Cavaliere for her steadfast mentorship and support of her students and for fostering a research lab that exemplifies critical inquiry. Additionally, congratulations to Alexis Foster for this well-earned scholarly distinction. Their achievements reflect the pursuit of academic excellence and ethical engagement that define the mission of the Dr. Jean Bethke Elshtain Scholarship. Dr. Cav and Alexis extend their deep gratitude to all those involved with the scholarship selection committee!