Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 13/10/2026A relaxing Thanksgiving weekend in the Ottawa Valley. Cooler temperatures and changing colours. 100
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 22/09/2026So 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! 002
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 16/09/2026Another 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. 021
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 14/09/2026What 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... 010
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 28/07/2026Join me at the STLHE Virtual Conference (Nov. 13, 2026). Part of our ongoing refresh to STLHE's events. 000
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 27/05/2026Wow - 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... 020
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 22/05/2026Week 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 🇬🇱). 100
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 17/05/2026One 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. 010
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 22/04/2026A 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. 010
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 16/04/2026Hooray - 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 😀) 000
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 12/03/2026Ending 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 020
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 11/03/2026A 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 020
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 10/03/2026Days 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 000
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 09/03/2026Day 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. 120
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 08/03/2026After 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! 010
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 08/03/2026An 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. 081
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 05/03/2026Excited 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... 000
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 27/01/2026Quinzhees 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). ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ 000
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 12/01/2026All 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. 030
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 11/01/2026Another 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).❄️❄️❄️ 020
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 17/12/2025What 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 🙂. 021
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 11/12/2025The 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. 010
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 08/12/2025Some unreal auroras #icelandair on the way to some "bucket list" professional development. Excited to be in København 🇩🇰 all week. 010
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 22/11/2025And 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). 220
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 13/11/2025Last 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 020
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 12/11/2025Final 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. 011
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 11/11/2025Amazing 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. 001
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 11/11/2025Just 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! 011
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 31/10/2025Thanks @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. 010
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 25/10/2025Day 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). 010
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 24/10/2025Day 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. 120
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 23/10/2025Day 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 🇮🇸🇳🇴🇸🇪🇫🇮🇨🇦. 020
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 23/10/2025Wow - 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 010
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 21/10/2025Amazing 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. 120
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 18/10/2025It has been really fun to be at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik 🇮🇸 this week. Showcasing my work as a Grímsson Fellow, thanking our hosts in Ísafjörður, meeting the former President himself, and scootering around the harbour. 010
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 09/09/2025Join me online: www.outdoor-learning.org/news-events/... #GlobalOutdoorLearningDay #FollowTheSun 020
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 27/06/2025So many memories this week! Having my family with me in Ísafjörður🇮🇸 has been amazing🫶. We've seen Arctic foxes, puffins (and tomorrow maybe humpback whales); climbed mountains; enjoyed hot pools, watched football, and waved at cruise tourists as they take pictures all over town. 030
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 16/06/2025Honoured to be re-elected to the Board of @stlhesapes.bsky.social for the next 3 years, and then chosen as it's Chair 2025-2026. Saskatoon, SK was an amazing conversation and celebration of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education - in Canada and further afield. See you next year in Hamilton, ON! 031
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 11/06/2025Such a small world! I left Iceland on Saturday, and on Sunday I was leafing through a Lonely Planet guide in Ptbo 🇨🇦 and found the house I will stay in with my Grímsson Fellowship @uwiceland.bsky.social. Then on Tuesday my cousin visited Ísafjörður 🇮🇸 via cruise ship. 030
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 07/06/2025Last cruise ship of this trip to Ísafjörður 🇮🇸. Back in 2 weeks🤪. Fun to find my latest @uarctic.bsky.social Shared Voices article on display at @uwiceland.bsky.social: www.uarctic.org/about-us/sha... 020
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 05/06/2025A bit of snow in June, some high winds, and more ships taking refuge in the harbour. The unpredictable, raw nature of the Westfjords. Love it! 110
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 02/06/2025What a fantastic day! Went into the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve for a hike. We had sun, we had rain, we saw Arctic Fox, humpback whales on the return boat journey...Wow! @uwiceland.bsky.social 040
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 29/05/2025Another busy day in Ísafjörður 🇮🇸. A top of the table clash in the 'Besta deild karla', top division of Icelandic Men's football ⚽: no. 2 Vestri vs. no. 1 Vikingur Reykjavik at Kerecis stadium. Plus two large cruise ships in town (over 5000 pax/crew in total) + Mark Getty's super yacht 'Talitha'. 010
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 28/05/2025Today there were no cruise ships in Ísafjörður 🇮🇸, but I did notice this amazing old Land Rover firetruck at Byggðasafn Vestfjarða (Westfjords Heritage Museum). They also have a fantastic accordion collection! @uwiceland.bsky.social @uarctic.bsky.social @lrfheritage.bsky.social 131
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 28/05/2025Day 2, and another two cruise ships. Combined, the Norwegian Star and Viking Neptune have a total capacity of over 3000 passengers and a further 1500 crew. Creates quite the bustling atmosphere in Ísafjörður🇮🇸. 011
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 26/05/2025Day 1 of my Grímsson Fellowship and the Fridtjof Nansen is in port. Wonderful to be back in Ísafjörður 🇮🇸 for this opportunity + getting things organized for my @uarctic.bsky.social and @lrfheritage.bsky.social research + teaching with @uwiceland.bsky.social . 131
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 10/05/2025Thanks Banff for your amazing views and weather for 3 days of conversations at the National Outdoor Learning Conference (takemeoutside.ca/conference/). Excellent dialogue with colleagues old and new on topics of land-based learning, climate change, health and wellbeing, etc. 020
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 06/05/2025Join us in Saskatoon, SK. Early-bird registration and some special hotel blocks close on May 9th - that's this Friday! www.stlhe.ca/conferences/.... 000
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 21/04/2025Back from Europe - what an amazing trip! A few pics from the final days of the EOE (lots of great food - so many Piadinas; beautiful cultural landscapes of bridges and cobblestone alley ways; and then a super fast train to Milan). 010
Pat Maher, PhD @drpatmaher.bsky.social · 16/04/2025Thanks EOE for the opportunity to give a keynote and share 20+ years of one Canadian's perspective on the changing landscape of OE: eventi.unibo.it/eoe-2025-con.... From the Paddling the Big Sky expedition @philmullins.bsky.social to the Pathways strategic planning exercise at NU. 030