With a PhD in Natural Resources and time spent as a tenured associate professor in the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech, Steve Lawson now applies his experience to national parks and protected areas projects at Otak. The value found in outdoor spaces and natural environments have always been part of Steve's life. As principal and director of visitor use planning and management, Steve joined Otak to continue building on its strong federal practice and relationship with the National Park Service. Shared values of sustainability and equity that guide Steve's personal and professional life are important elements of his involvement on any project.