Professor Spreads Word of Active Living to Korea 

Dr. Jonathan Casper, associate professor of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management(PRTM) in NC State's College of Natural Resources, recently completed several invited speaking engagements in Korea. Casper visited three universities (Deagu, Inha, and Seoul National) where he spoke about current research related to physical activity and active living through sport. The U.S. is currently seeing obesity rates rise and public information campaigns, such as Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” program, are taking on this crisis - and the world is watching.

During his trip to Korea, Casper shared his expertise about how sports, from school-level to senior-level, have a role in conforming this crisis. Specifically, he showcased highlights from a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded project related to school sport, his research on adult sport commitment, and Latino Park and Recreation use. During his lectures, Casper pointed to the research collaborative Investigating Places for Active Recreation in Communities (IPARC), founded by professors in NC State's PRTM department. IPARC's mission is to advance the science of how park, recreation, and sport environments promote active living. Casper also met with college deans, held student workshops, experienced many types of Kim Chi and street food, and even played golf!