Faculty Profile

Julie Son is an Associate Professor. She has an interdisciplinary educational background including a B.A. in Psychology from Whitman College (Summa Cum Laude); M.A. in Sociology with Cognate in Social Psychology from University of Nevada, Reno; and Ph.D. in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management from The Pennsylvania State University with a Minor in Adult Development and Aging. 

She began her career at the Sanford Center for Aging at University of Nevada, Reno. That experience combined with early work experiences as a camp counselor with both children and children with disabilities helped her realize her interest in the role of leisure in promoting health and well-being across the lifespan. As a result, Dr. Son’s research focuses on leisure and health across the lifespan with focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice (DEISJ). She advances this research focus by conducting investigations with different populations of interest including youth, individuals with chronic conditions, college students, women, and older adults. 

Dr. Son applies an array of theoretical and methodological approaches to investigate her focused line of research including technology applications and implications. She has provided key research advancements on leisure facilitators to promote health across the lifespan with attention to policy initiatives and advocacy for diversity and inclusion. As part of this effort, she has investigated the use of technology including geocaching, smartphones, online communities, and online leisure education to promote health in diverse users. To support these efforts, she has attained external research funding from funders including the National Recreation and Park Association, Fulbright Outreach Fund, Blue Cross Foundation, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and worked with numerous communities and associations. 

Dr. Son was named a Fellow of The Academy of Leisure Sciences (TALS) in 2023. She serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Leisure Research. She has chaired research symposia at the Australian and New Zealand Association for Leisure Studies and the Gerontological Society of America. She has also served as chair of the TALS Awards Committee and currently serves as a Member-At-Large of the TALS Board. She has received recognition for her academic accomplishments including as an Invited Speaker of World Leisure South Africa and Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Invited Keynote Speaker at Yonsei University, South Korea, recipient of the Emerging Professional Graduate Degree Award in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management at Penn State, and recipient of the Arnold O. Beckman Research Award at UI.