Dr Katherine King has recently returned from a 2 week visiting scholarship to the Faculty of Management at Vancouver Island University (VIU) which saw her take part in range of teaching, community engagement and research activities.

The visiting scholar programme is an integral component of the World Leisure Centre of Excellence accredited Masters in Sustainable Leisure Management led by the Department for Tourism and Recreation at VIU. During her stay Dr King was invited to lead a public lecture for the World Leisure Centre Innovation Infusion series to discuss public policy approaches to lifestyle sport provision. Katherine also supported Dr Nicole Vaugeois in teaching case studies in sustainability and innovation which included a field study to the West coast of British Colombia to explore rural sustainability with community stakeholders.  Whilst Dr King and Dr Vaugeois delivered a public lecture at VIU’s Powell River campus entitled ‘Innovative solutions to Sustainability’ drawing upon her work with young people in rural areas to explore nature values amongst youth groups. Dr King was also invited to visit Capilano University where she met with mountain biking programme leader Lydia Watson to discuss research interests in this area.