Scheduled Speakers

Dr. Susan A. Masino on “Why Our Brains Need Wildlands”

Ever wonder why, when you walk through a forest or sit quietly by a mountain stream, you simply feel better? 

On April 14th (10:00 a.m. at Whitby Castle), Susan A. Masino, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Applied Science at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut with a joint appointment in Neuroscience and Psychology, will present to Tuesdays at 10 on “Why Our Brains Need Wildlands” and the benefits of wild places on our mental and physical wellbeing.

Dr. Masino is the Paul E. Raether Distinguished Professor of Applied Science at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut and a joint appointment in Neuroscience and Psychology. Her ongoing research focuses on brain health and disease, the power of natural processes, and science-based, compassionate, and common-sense strategies for local and global wellbeing. 

At Trinity, Dr. Masino is the coordinator of the Global Health and Human Ecology Experiential Certificate. In the community, she serves on her local Open Space Committee, is President of the Simsbury Grange, and is a County Coordinator for the Old Growth Forest Network. She is currently on the boards of Aton Forest, Pinchot Institute for Conservation, and Wellspring Common Stewards. 

Dr. Masino is also a co-author of the first-of-its kind report titled “Wildlands in New England: Past, Present, and Future,” which was published in 2023. The report outlines the science and history of the natural landscape in New England and is accompanied by a dynamic map of current “Wildlands.” 

In 2024, Dr. Masino became a certified guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, and in 2025 she and her students were awarded the President’s Award by the Olmsted Network for their Public Humanities Project titled “Voices of Keney Park.”