iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

So I've received an award 🎉. Absolutely humbled to be the 2026 recipient of the AEE's Dr. Betty van Der Smissen Distinguished Researcher Award. Thanks to my family, colleagues/collaborators, students, and the Association. Plus my anonymous nominator. I truly appreciate this. Thank you!

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Thanks Pete Allison for zooming into my Nipissing University PHED 4906 class today. Engaging discussion of Character (amongst other things). Great info and resources available on the Outward Bound International site: www.outwardbound.net/outward-boun...

outwardbound.net

Outward Bound Global Character Project - Outward Bound International

In 2025, Outward Bound International (OBI), in collaboration with Penn State University, the University of Utah, and Clemson University, and supported by the John Templeton Foundation, completed a mul...

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Another wonderful afternoon in NU's Outdoor Classroom. Vibrant discussions about Land-based learning, listened to a TMO podcast, made some Andy Goldsworthy-esque art, and even though the weather was cold and dreary, students stayed positive and engaged. Also great to have a free BBQ at the break.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

What an amazing weekend for 16 hours of teaching outdoors, experientially! Beautiful weather, super-engaged students, and a fantastic new outdoor classroom and mobile course accessories. Hiked over to Duchesnay Falls, taught a ton of different skills...

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

The latest edition of the STLHE Higher Ground blog is now live. Just some of my recent musings on where we teach and why flexibility matters: stlhe.ca/higher-groun...

stlhe.ca

Stuck Within Our Four Walls or Finally Ready to Break Free? – STLHE

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Join me at the STLHE Virtual Conference (Nov. 13, 2026). Part of our ongoing refresh to STLHE's events.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Finally watching Shrinking: Love this quote: "Academia is the fifth circle of hell. It goes babies, musicals, magic, kale...academia." While I disagree with some of the others, I burst out laughing when Harrison Ford's character said it in response to a colleague applying for a job.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Wow - the Faroe Islands 🇫🇴 are stunning! Even when one is stuck in a beautiful conference centre (handball arena) most of the day 🙂. Open landscapes, lots of sheep, multi-use harbours, history and art, dynamic weather...

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Week 2 in Ísafjörður, Iceland 🇮🇸. Cruise ships have arrived and there is more hustle and bustle in the harbour. Beautiful sunny days looking towards Hornstrandir and a chance opportunity to see a polar bear skull (yes, polar bears do arrive here on occasion, but this skull is from East Greenland 🇬🇱).

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

🇳🇴Happy Constitution Day to all my friends in Norway 🇳🇴. Enjoy the celebrations!

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

One week in Iceland (mostly Ísafjörður)🇮🇸! Paddling on Eyrarvatn - it was a PhD committee meeting 😊. Foggy views from the tower at Byggðasafn Vestfjarða. A beautiful sunny day for a football match - sadly a loss for Vestri. The Grímsson house - memories of last summer, staying there with my family.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Seeking new members for the Editorial Board of the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning (JAEOL). Apply here: think.taylorandfrancis.com/editor_recru...

think.taylorandfrancis.com

Editorial Board Members needed for Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

It was so much fun to be a part of this discussion, now posted on the Lasmuigh podcast: open.spotify.com/episode/1Qvx... @aylward-tomas.bsky.social @mtu.ie

open.spotify.com

International perspectives on outdoor practice.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

A very quick research trip to Whitehorse. Flying over the Coast Mountains at sunset, and lots of great conversations and writing at Yukon University. Thanks Christy, Dylan, Alison and others. @uarctic.bsky.social @lrfheritage.bsky.social.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Hooray - progress on the NU Outdoor Classroom. I know there were many students in my Sept-Apr courses disappointed that we couldn't use it (due to the many construction delays); should be pretty amazing once completed. Propane fire pit; shelter; power; accessible path (currently underwater 😀)

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Reposted by Pat Maher, PhD

ISSOTL @issotl.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Final call! Nominations for the 2026 ISSOTL Election close soon. Don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of #SoTL. Submit a nomination today! Deadline: March 27th. Learn more on the ISSOTL website: issotl.com/2026/01/27/2...

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Ending my travels to Ireland 🇮🇪 with a rainy day 7 in Dublin. Thanks @orlakelly5.bsky.social for a wet stroll in the local park - then I took a walk by Croke Park, Trinity College, and a variety of shops/signs in the City Centre. @icuf.bsky.social @aylward-tomas.bsky.social

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

A beautiful day in Dublin 🇮🇪. Discussed outdoor classrooms with faculty and place-based education with students. A spectacular blend of old and new spaces at Dublin City University - St. Patrick's campus @dublincityuni.bsky.social. Thanks @orlakelly5.bsky.social for hosting me. @icuf.bsky.social

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Days 4 & 5 at Munster Technological University were a whirlwind of discussions and meeting many excellent people. I even managed to spend time in the Outdoor Classroom with a group of 16 years olds - weaving willow, making environmental art, and eating S'mores. @aylward-tomas.bsky.social

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Day 3 in Ireland 🇮🇪 - a blustery day on the Corca Dhuibhne, Dingle Peninsula (still very beautiful though). Wind and waves, a visit to the Blasket Centre, chowder and ice cream, and ending with a podcast about landscapes, language and outdoor learning.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

After a morning lecture discussing authentic OE in Canada vs. a standardized IKEA-esque model, it was off to Killarney National Park. Just stunning landscapes - in the sun or the mist!

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

An exceptional view on my first evening in Tralee, Éire. Thanks to my hosts at Munster Technological University (BA in Outdoor Learning): www.mtu.ie/courses/tlsh.... @aylward-tomas.bsky.social, JP and Tom Farrelly. Looking forward to the days ahead.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Excited to share our 'Year in Review': 2025 into 2026. Thanks to all our UArctic colleagues and partners for contributing to our work @uarctic.bsky.social. We couldn't share it all in 1 page. www.uarctic.org/activities/t...

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Reposted by Pat Maher, PhD

ISSOTL @issotl.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Calling all educators & #SoTL scholars! Submit your proposals for ISSOTL26 in Saskatoon, Canada, from October 28-31, 2026. Proposals due March 30, 2026. Share your research & practice! Learn more on the ISSOTL website: issotl.com/issotl26/cal...

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Quinzhees and Campfires (+ S'mores). The joys of winter camping - a Nipissing University BPHE practical course. Just glad it was only -11 C the weekend we camped out; unlike this past weekend (-35 C or so). ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Hey International Colleagues check this out: Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program at UNBC. Folks in Education have a strong interest in outdoor learning and climate change education. Connect with Hart Banack. unbc.njoyn.com/CL/xweb/xweb...

unbc.njoyn.com

UNBC Career Opportunities

Posting # FAORI01-26 Full Professor/Associate Professor, Office of Research & Innovation, <span style=f...

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

All ready for my next research project: building and maintaining sustainable communities - an examination using the LEGO®️ SERIOUS PLAY®️approach. Took the facilitator's training in December and then the tools arrived today. Probably almost 10,000 bricks here.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 11/01/2026

Another excellent weekend of practical skills work - this time snowshoeing around the Duchesnay Falls trails just off campus. Some great winter physical activity, excellent peer teaching and beautiful conditions (Day 1 a bit icy and Day 2 an overnight snowfall made it a winter wonderland).❄️❄️❄️

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

It's a full circle moment. In both 2000 and 2005 I had Arctic paddling expeditions supported by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society @rcgssgrc.bsky.social, and now I've joined their Expedition Committee. The call for expedition support is now open (Deadline Jan. 7): rcgs.org/programs/exp...

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

What a fantastic two days of thinking and leading at the December STLHE | SAPES @stlhesapes.bsky.social in person Board meeting. Thanks to Yorkville University for hosting us - you might notice their President in the pic - joining us on Day 2 🙂.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

The Christmas season in Copenhagen 🇩🇰. Such a wonderful time of the year: skating, lights, markets, etc. Now that I've completed 4 days of training to be a certified facilitator in the LEGO®️ SERIOUS PLAY®️ method, I can relax and enjoy a Julebryg before I fly home.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Some unreal auroras #icelandair on the way to some "bucket list" professional development. Excited to be in København 🇩🇰 all week.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

And that's a wrap! Very happy to give an opening keynote yesterday morning at the Institute for Outdoor Learning conference #GlobalOutdoorLearningDay. My talk was a global perspective on OL research (bouncing through the rapids).

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Last set of pics from the London trip. Another boat trip on the Thames to take the train to Guilford for an afternoon/evening visit to the University of Surrey. Excellent convos with Christy Hehir - a long time polar tourism research collaborator🐧🐻‍❄️. @uarctic.bsky.social @lrfheritage.bsky.social

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

Final day in London🇬🇧. A morning boat ride down the Thames to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Fantastic large ocean map from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Thanks @lrfheritage.bsky.social and @uarctic.bsky.social for organizing everything. Wonderful collaborations now and into the future.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Amazing day at the @lrfheritage.bsky.social! Examining the archives, interacting with some impressive artifacts, and meeting with staff and other invited guests. So much history on display in this formidable/newly renovated building @uarctic.bsky.social.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Just a quick trip to the UK for research meetings with @lrfheritage.bsky.social and @uarctic.bsky.social. Started with a beautiful Sunday morning walk across multiple bridges in central London and a visit to the Tate Modern. A fantastic exhibit by Sámi artist Máret Ánne Sara and an Andy Warhol!

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Thanks @uarctic.bsky.social for a wonderful story about our current project, funded by @globalaffairs.canada.ca, as well as our ongoing network collaboration (17 years and counting): uarctic.org/news/2025/10... @umeauniversitet.bsky.social @haskoliislands.bsky.social and many other partners.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 25/10/2025

Day 5 - the final morning of the seminar/field course @uarctic.bsky.social. Amazing presentations by the Masters students + an inspiring panel of Doctoral students. Followed up by a powerful national event in downtown Reykjavik - the 50th anniversary of the Women's Strike (lnkd.in/gV2UANSX).

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

Day 4 of the @uarctic.bsky.social seminar/fieldcourse. Morning meetings on the future plans of the Thematic Network on Northern Tourism. A short visit to Þingvellir National Park 🇮🇸. 🇨🇦 leading the way with that licence plate (Eh! and our 13 provinces/territories ). Then Hallgrimskirkja by night.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Day 3 of the seminar/field course was suitably AMAZING! It started with a visit to the Báran workers union, followed by trips to Eldhester, the Friðheimar food experience, and add on bucket-list attractions of Kerið crater, Gulfoss & Geysir. @uarctic.bsky.social 🇮🇸🇳🇴🇸🇪🇫🇮🇨🇦.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Wow - day 2 was exceptional! A beautiful sunrise from the Héraðsskólinn Historic Guesthouse; an inspirational panel of experts from across the North 🇫🇮🇨🇦🇸🇪🇳🇴🇮🇸; ongoing construction at the geothermal baths of Fontana Laugarvatn; Brúarfoss at sunset. @uarctic.bsky.social

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

Amazing first day of our seminar/field course on 'Tourism Employment in the Arctic: Towards Decent Work'. Talking to unions and employer associations in Reykjavik, then travelling to Efstidalur farm and agri-tourism business. Farm to Table through only a window. @uarctic.bsky.social.

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Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

Excited to start our symposium/field course on "Tourism Employment in the Arctic: Towards Decent Work" in Laugarvatn 🇮🇸 tomorrow. 8 faculty/studentsfrom VIU, Yukon University, and Nipissing University 🇨🇦. 25 other colleagues/students from other schools in 🇳🇴🇸🇪🇫🇮🇮🇸 + industry and community leaders.

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