Özlem Altun

Özlem Altun is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Tourism at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), where she contributes to academic and research activities in tourism and gastronomy. She holds a PhD in Tourism Management from EMU (2018), an MS in Banking and Finance (2012), and a BS in Tourism and Hotel Management (2006), all from the same institution.

Her research interests include tourism management, gastronomy tourism, consumer behavior, sustainable tourism, service quality, mental health in hospitality, neurogastronomy, and generational food preferences, particularly among Generation Z. She has published extensively in journals such as Sustainability, British Food Journal, and Journal of Tourism and Gastronomy Studies, with a strong focus on digital reviews, edible insects, veganism, and regional culinary heritage.

Her recent publications reveal a trend toward interdisciplinary research combining psychology, sustainability, and digital behavior in tourism and food contexts. She has supervised numerous master’s theses and is co-supervising a PhD candidate, demonstrating her active role in academic mentorship.

Scientific Awards:

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Özlem Altun has been involved in advising multiple graduate students across diverse topics in gastronomy and tourism. Her research includes grants and collaborative projects, though specific funding sources are not mentioned. She is actively engaged in analyzing consumer behavior, mental health in service sectors, and the evolution of food tourism, with ongoing studies on neurogastronomy and sustainable food systems.

She is affiliated with research groups and academic networks at EMU, particularly within the Faculty of Tourism, and contributes to institutional research output through publications and thesis supervision. Her work often involves collaboration with colleagues such as Mehmet Necati Cizrelioğulları and İrem Karataş.