Rate My Professor Mark Harvey

Mark Harvey, Ph.D., is Chair and Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of North Carolina Asheville, where he has been a faculty member since 1996. He received his B.A. from the University of Iowa and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Colorado State University. As an environmental psychologist, Professor Harvey has conducted research on a variety of topics related to human interactions with the natural environment. These include natural resource allocation dilemmas, human visual sensitivity to and memory for atmospheric haze, the design of informal learning environments such as museums, and the influence of ecolabels on consumers. His more recent research investigates how relationships with the natural world develop and contribute to individual wellness and pro-environmental values.

Professor Harvey's contributions to the field are reflected in his publications, many co-authored with undergraduate students at UNC Asheville. Notable works include: Harvey, M.L. (2025). Perspectives on the Role of Graviception in Promoting Mindfulness During Adventure Recreation in Unusual Force Environments. World Leisure Journal; Harvey, M.L., Bowman, K., & Karr, A. (2021). The Gardening Spirit: Evidence that frequency of gardening precisely predicts ecospirituality. Journal of Horticultural Therapy, 31(1), 1-9; Harvey, M.L., & MacPhee, V. (2021). A Pilot Test of the Association between Weather- and Thermo-comfort and Time Spent Outdoors. Weather, Climate, and Society, 13(2), 353-361; Harvey, M.L., Oskins, J., McCarter, K., & Baker, J. (2016). Direct Earth Contact: Barefootedness and Nature Connection. Ecopsychology, 8(2), 96-106; and Harvey, M.L. (2014). The centrality of research to the field of ecopsychology. Ecopsychology, 6(1), 40-41. In addition to his research and scholarly activities, he teaches courses such as Research Methods, where he stresses the critical evaluation of primary sources, and advanced seminars focused on producing original research. Professor Harvey has also held positions such as Director of Undergraduate Research and actively participates in departmental and university governance, including faculty senate committees.