Eojina Kim

Eojina Kim is an Associate Professor and Director of the Ph.D. Program in the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business. She holds dual Ph.D.s in Hospitality Management (Iowa State University, 2016) and Food and Nutrition (Yonsei University, 2011). Her research focuses on consumer behavior, food safety/nutrition policy, and service management in foodservice, with emphasis on data-driven strategies for sustainable practices. She has extensive industry experience as a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, executive researcher at the Korea FDA, and market analyst at Euromonitor International.

Education Background:

• PhD, Hospitality Management (with Business minor), Iowa State University (2016)
• PhD, Food and Nutrition, Yonsei University (2011)

Research Expertise:

Her work spans consumer decision-making, policy development, and innovation in foodservice. She utilizes advanced methodologies including eye-tracking, structural equation modeling, and big data analysis. Recent projects address plastic reduction in online food delivery, social media engagement in sustainable branding, and post-pandemic recovery strategies.

Awards & Recognition:

• 2020 JHTR Article of the Year Award
• 2021 Pamplin Certificate of Teaching Excellence
• 2020 Principles of Effective Teaching Certificate

Professional Engagement:

She serves on editorial boards for Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research and Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture. Active in industry partnerships, she advises on policy and operational strategies for multinational foodservice corporations. Teaching includes courses on foodservice management, consumer behavior, and graduate seminars in hospitality.

Industry Background:

Prior roles include a decade as tenured senior researcher at a South Korean national think tank, developing policies affecting over 40 technical reports. Certifications include Registered Dietitian (Korea), Certified Hospitality Educator (AHLEI), and ServSafe training credentials.

Lab/Tech Focus:

Her research employs mixed-methods frameworks, integrating experimental designs, surveys, and digital analytics to address contemporary challenges in hospitality and food systems.