Who We Are
History
The Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR) was created in 1987 to research travel, recreation, and tourism. Located in , W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, ITRR serves as the research arm for Montana's tourism and recreation industry.
Two general sources fund the Institute's research. A portion of the state Lodging Facility Use Tax revenues supports studies of statewide significance. More specialized studies of interest to particular regions, counties, agencies, or businesses are funded through cooperative agreements, grants, or contracts. ITRR provides some opportunities for research assistantships for graduate Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ enrolled in the Society and Conservation Department at UM's W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.
Our Mission
The mission of the Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research (ITRR) is to conduct rigorous and impartial research that empowers the tourism and recreation industries in Montana to make informed decisions in planning, marketing, policy, and management. As part of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, ITRR is committed to the highest academic integrity, ensuring transparency and excellence in all research efforts.
Research Priorities
Economic Impact of Nonresident Travel
Visitor Characteristics and Expenditures
Social and Environmental Impacts of Tourism
Regional and Community Tourism Planning
Niche Research Studies
Annual Travel and Recreation Outlook
Our Team
Dr. Melissa Weddell
Director & Research Faculty
Melissa values working with federal, state, and local organizations to develop management plans that educate the public and assist with the responsible development of rural recreation and tourism destinations that benefit users and boost local economic commerce. Through her research, she understands the unique local concerns in developing natural areas, encouraging recreation, and attracting tourism while working collaboratively to provide inclusive recreation that improves the quality of life. She holds a doctorate in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University, an MBA from Southern Illinois University, and an undergraduate degree in Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship from Ball State University. Melissa enjoys mountain biking, paddling, and adventures in the backcountry in her downtime with her husband and furbabies.
Phone: (406) 243-2328
Kara Grau
Assistant Director of Economic Analysis
At ITRR, Kara provides direction and technical expertise for the economic aspects of various travel and recreation projects, as well as participating in various ITRR projects as an analyst, writer, editor or data collector. Each year, Kara produces estimates of nonresident visitation and travel spending in Montana, along with annual estimates of the economic impact of nonresident travel to the state. Kara collaborates on managing the ITRR website, including ITRR’s interactive data reports and dashboards.
Phone: (406) 243-5107
Megan Schultz
Project Manager and Research Associate
Megan Schultz oversees daily operations for the on-going Nonresident and Resident survey projects: supervising data collectors, designing and building questionnaires, cleaning data, analysis, reporting writing, and presenting on ITRR data. She also administers ITRR’s Survey Kits utilized by communities across Montana. Additionally, Megan is responsible for compiling visitor data at Montana’s State Parks. Her personal research interests also include collaboration and collective decision-making regarding natural resources and public lands. In her free time, she can be found with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs hiking, brewery-touring, river rafting, and enjoying all things Montana!
Phone: (406) 243-6454
Matthew Pettigrew
Data Engineer and Research Associate
My work at ITRR centers on everything data. I’m involved in automating data pipelines and cleaning data for the nonresident and resident studies. I also design and develop the Tableau interactive data available on ITRR’s website. Additional research centers on survey methodology and assisting with analysis. With a background in statistics, I’m well equipped to do the heavier analytics as necessary. My free time is spent with my amazing wife and three kids. We love to spend time in the outdoors and cuddle our 4 cats. When not wrangling data, my wife and I double as professional photographers and videographers.
Phone: (406) 243-5635
Dr. Elena Bigart
Social Scientist and Research Associate
At ITRR, I am involved in several research projects focused on national park management and communication. In particular, I conduct background reviews, develop survey instruments, coordinate data collection, and analyze findings. My research efforts are aimed at helping park managers and tourism industry make informed decisions. I also teach classes in park management, outdoor recreation, interpretation, and human geography. In my free time, I am usually outdoors enjoying Montana’s beautiful nature.
Phone: (406) 243-6210
Carter Bermingham
Social Scientist and Research Associate
My work at ITRR involves everything from research design to data collection, analysis, graphic design, and final reporting. I assist in ITRR’s research efforts across Montana, covering subjects like resident attitudes towards tourism, the outfitting and guiding industry, and gateway communities to national parks. My other work at ITRR focuses on visitor use management and socioeconomic monitoring research for the National Park Service, including work at Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Isle Royale National Park, and Canyon de Chelly National Monument. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors and being on the water with my wife and son.
Phone: (406) 243-2872
Glenna Hartman
Program Assistant and Qualitative Specialist
At ITRR, I help examine any qualitative data that is gathered on various projects as well as assist with National Parks and State Parks projects which includes helping with data collection and analysis. When not working, I enjoy running and adventuring with my two energetic dogs and daughter, and exploring all that this beautiful state has to offer!
Phone: (406) 243-2425
Rachel Shouse
Scientific Communications Director
At ITRR, I utilize various communication tools to share information about ITRR projects and research with the public. I also create engaging content for ITRR's website and social media. Beyond communication, I provide administrative support for data collection and analysis as needed. In my free time, you’ll find me cuddling with my cat, Moose, and getting out into the mountains as often as I can!
Phone: (406) 243-2210
Glenna Tawney
Research Project Director and Event Manager
Collaborating closely with the ITRR director, research scientists, and external partners, Glenna manages ITRR’s research projects and events. Her role is all about making sure everything runs smoothly, from maintaining high quality to sticking to deadlines, to ensure ITRR’s research endeavors and events are a success. Outside of work, Glenna enjoys exploring Montana’s wild places with her husband and two kids.
Phone: (406) 243-2677
Kika Bradford
Social Scientist and Research Associate
As a Social Scientist and Research Associate, my responsibilities include leading and collaborating on travel and recreation research projects across Montana. Based on robust survey methods and current practices, I design and implement study protocols, supervise data collection, and ensure data accuracy through cleaning and analysis. Additionally, I work with my peers to generate reports and publicize research findings. When not at work, I love to spend time in the mountains, climbing rock spires, and trail running both in the US and Brazil, where I am from.
Phone: (406) 243-2248
kika1.bradford@umontana.edu
Jayce Beck
Data Manager
As Data Manager for ITRR, Jayce works to build the bridge between our excellent data collection processes and our researchers working to build out extensive reports. Specific work includes helping to manage our dashboards that display our pragmatic visitor estimates of residents, nonresidents, and those visiting our State Parks. As a Montanan and Missoula native, there is great pleasure in getting to benefit our various local community stakeholders in their data needs. He holds a personal interest in the open access and archival process of data for continual use by researchers and the public. Out in the wild, Jayce is a cat owner to Loki and is an enjoyer of Montana’s wonderful springs, lakes, and rivers.
Dr. Norma Nickerson
Professor Emeritus
Norma P. Nickerson, Ph.D., was a Research Professor and Director of ITRR for 25 years from 1995 to January 2021. She authored three books, Snapshots: an Introduction to Tourism 6th Ed. ( 2014),Quality Tourism Experiences (2006), and Foundations of Tourism (1995). Dr. Nickerson wrote hundreds of research reports and journal articles and speaks throughout Montana as well as nationally and internationally about tourism. She has served on the international board of the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) and is past president of the Greater Western Chapter of TTRA. She sat on the editorial board of the Journal of Travel Research and served on the Missoula Parks and Recreation Board appointed by the Mayor from 2010-2015. Dr. Nickerson served on the board of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank Board, Helena Branch, as a tourism and recreation expert for 4 years (2017-2020) and served as Chair of the Helena Branch Board of Directors for one year.