معرفی
Dr Laura Wells serves as Lecturer in Hospitality Management (Marketing) at Ulster University Business School's Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management on Belfast campus. Her academic journey began with Consumer Studies at Ulster University (2003), culminating in a PhD (2006) examining brand identity and customer segmentation in food marketing through collaboration with a major UK retailer.
Her educational background includes:
- BSc Consumer Studies, Ulster University (2003)
- PhD, Ulster University (2006)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice
Dr Wells' research centers on hospitality marketing, consumer behaviour, and sponsorship, with current projects investigating big data applications in hospitality marketing and cross-departmental studies on undergraduate research skills development. Her industry collaborations with hospitality groups provide practical frameworks for theoretical concepts.
Analysis of her 2015-2022 publications reveals consistent exploration of social responsibility dimensions across hospitality contexts - from Generation Z business ethics to cultural food experiences and tourism social enterprise, demonstrating evolving consumer behavior patterns in marketing communication.
Professional recognition includes:
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
She actively bridges academia and industry through student workshops with hospitality partners, notably developing the Baltic Bar concept for Beannchor Group's Bullitt Hotel and co-delivering Hastings Hotel Group's Management Ambassador Programme. Her pedagogic research examines undergraduate research skill development across departments.
Dr Wells contributes to industry-academic knowledge exchange through conference organization (e.g., 2019's 'Generation H') and upcoming 2025 research on craft beverages and regional tourism planning, maintaining active collaborations with colleagues McEntee, McMahon-Beattie, and Hollywood.
