• "Application of persuasive communication in visitor behavior modification at three Australian national parks" Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria, Australia; Mt. Field National Park, Tasmania, Australia; Yellagonga Regional Park, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, 2005-2009

This study involved developing and evaluating theory-based communication interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of problematic visitor behaviors at national parks in Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. Results indicated that the interventions were successful in persuading visitors to behave in managerially desirable ways in two of the three parks. Specifically, the percentage of visitors who refrained from bird feeding in Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria and those who voluntarily picked up litter encountered on a trail in Mt. Field National Park, Tasmania was significantly increased. At Yarra Ranges, a social norm appeal was the most influential message; at Mt. Field, a personal norm appeal produced the greatest effect, but an appeal aimed to activate an implementation intention also produced a significant increase in compliance. An intervention asking dog walkers to keep their pets on a lead at Yellagonga Regional Park in Western Australia resulted in significantly higher compliance, but extenuating circumstances cloud the conclusions that can be drawn about its actual persuasive impact.

• "The role of emotion in shaping cognition and behavioral intention as a result of high-arousal zoo interpretation" Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 2006-2008 

This study investigated the physiological, psychological and potential behavioral impacts of emotional appeals in zoo interpretation. Results revealed that a high-arousal bird-of-prey interpretive program did result in impacts on some visitor attitudes and behavioral intentions. However, these results provide only limited support for the idea that emotional arousal at a zoo provides an enhanced experiential platform for influencing future visitor behavior. 

• "Qualitative analysis of profound wildlife encounters" Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 2004-2005 

This study was based on in-depth interviews with 13 individuals who reported having had a profound experience with a wildlife species. Following a phenomenological approach, the research sought to understand the ways in which profound experiences with wild animals can influence people’s lives and to identify the key elements of profound wildlife experiences. Results revealed a range of impacts on percipients’ lives. Many subjects reported major “watershed” impacts that resulted in fundamental choices later in life. The element of the experience mentioned most frequently by subjects was their proximity to the animal(s) during their encounter. In addition, sheer numbers of the species and inferred communication (via eye contact) were mentioned as important factors.