2 bicyclists on country road

Recreation, Sport & Tourism

PhD Students

Darrien Watson

Darrien Watson

Expected graduation date: May 2024

darrien2@illinois.edu

LinkedIn Profile

Interests: Darrien Watson is a PhD student at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign in the Recreation, Sports, and Tourism Department. Prior to attending UIUC, he attended the University of Tennessee-Knoxville where he earned his Master’s in Recreation and Sports Management with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. His research interest is leisure among race and ethnic groups in society.  His interest also involves the influence of culture in African American leisure and the navigation of barriers for diverse ethnic families. Upon gaining his doctorate, Mr. Watson plans to be a professor at a research university. Mr. Watson aspires to utilize his research to be an advocate for recreational opportunities for underserved populations and contribute to increasing diversity in higher education.