معرفی
Willie Tao is an Associate Professor and William S. Spears Fellow at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Oklahoma State University (OSU), where he also serves as the MS-HTM Graduate Coordinator. He holds a PhD in Hospitality Management from Kansas State University (2017) and advanced degrees from institutions in Taiwan and the UK. His research focuses on corporate social responsibility (CSR), foodservice operations, big data analytics, and cultural aspects of culinary practices, with a notable emphasis on Hakka cuisine's global spread. He has published extensively in top journals like the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research and International Journal of Hospitality Management.
- Educations:
- PhD, Kansas State University, Hospitality Management, 2017
- MA, Manchester Metropolitan University, International Hospitality Management, 2012
- BA, National Taiwan University, Political Science, 2007
His research interests span CSR communication, dining service quality, and the intersection of food culture with technology. He has explored topics such as plant-based restaurants in Oklahoma, food delivery drivers' experiences, and the role of local food information on menus. His work often employs big data and eye-tracking methodologies.
Notable awards include the 2025 ICHRIE ESD Undergraduate Research Symposium Best Paper Award and the 2024 Dr. Lea R. Dopson Eta Sigma Delta Chapter of Distinction Award. He is an active reviewer for journals like International Journal of Hospitality Management and Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research.
His teaching covers culinary fundamentals, big data analytics in hospitality, and doctoral dissertation guidance. He has led grants on topics like Hakka cuisine, service robot adoption, and Stillwater tourism data analysis.
