Cindy Hartman

<p>Cindy L. Hartman, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire.</p>
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<p>Her research explores the relationship between identity development and free-time experiences—including organized recreation programming, informal learning, and leisure pursuits—across key developmental transitions during late adolescence, emerging adulthood, and young adulthood.</p>
<p>Dr. Hartman investigates how young people plan for their futures and pursue lives of meaning through educational, career, family, and recreational pursuits, while navigating societal and cultural expectations about identity and life pathways.</p>
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<p>Recenlty, her research has focused on recreation as an informal learning environment, with a particular emphasis on how recreational contexts support identity-relevant, intrinsically motivated learning experiences that foster STEM engagement, postsecondary planning, and career exploration—especially for rural youth. This&nbsp;aligns with federal and state priorities and emphasizes designing with and for rural youth to broaden educational and career pathways and foster community flourishing. She has received funding from federal agencies and foundations, and her scholarship has been published in leading recreation, adolescent development, and learning science journals.</p>
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<p>Dr. Hartman has also been recognized for her contributions to teaching, curriculum development, and inclusive pedagogy. Actively engaged in professional organizations and interdisciplinary collaborations, she works to enhance the role of recreation in youth development, rural education, career readiness, and access to learning opportunities.</p>
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