Joan Flaherty

Joan Flaherty is an Associate Professor Emerita at the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, University of Guelph, specializing in Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management. Her research bridges tourism studies, educational pedagogy, and curriculum design. Educational affiliations include the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management where she focuses on innovative teaching methodologies.

Research interests center on transformative learning experiences in tourism education, consumer behavior analysis in hospitality contexts, and pedagogical innovation. Her work explores how educational design influences student engagement and industry preparedness, particularly through experiential learning frameworks.

Publications demonstrate consistent focus on tourism pedagogy and consumer behavior, with recent work examining digital media's role in destination marketing. Early research established foundations in curriculum development and academic communication strategies.

Leadership includes directing the Co-op Program, developing industry-academic partnerships, and advancing work-integrated learning models that enhance student employability and educational outcomes.