Dr. Babak Taheri is a Full Professor at Texas A&M University's Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management & Tourism, affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. He holds an Honorary Professorship in Marketing at the University of Aberdeen and has held visiting professor roles at institutions like the University of Sassari and the University of Central Florida. His expertise spans consumer engagement, sustainability, and mixed-method research in tourism and hospitality. Education: BSc Industrial Engineering (Azad University), MSc Information Systems (Glasgow Caledonian University), PhD in Marketing (University of Strathclyde) with a focus on tourism. Additional credentials include a PhDip in Research Methods and MRes in Management Science. Research focuses on consumer behavior, co-creation value, CSR, and climate change impacts. He has published over 150 papers and serves as Associate Editor for The Service Industries Journal and International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management . Awards include Fellow of The Higher Education Academy and multiple Best Reviewer accolades. Leadership includes roles at Durham University, Strathclyde, and others. He secured grants exceeding $3M from Horizon 2020 and Innovate UK. Teaching spans BSc to PhD levels, emphasizing experiential learning. Media contributions include articles in The Conversation and The Irish Times. Grants & Leadership: Academic leadership in research and teaching, with grants focused on innovation and resilience in hospitality sectors.
Breffni Noone serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Hospitality Management within Pennsylvania State University's College of Health and Human Development, specializing in revenue management and profit optimization across hospitality assets including hotels, restaurants, golf facilities, and spas. Her work bridges theoretical research with practical industry applications through data-driven decision frameworks. Dr. Noone earned her Ph.D. in Operations Management from Cornell University (2004), an M.B.S. from Dublin City University, Ireland (1996), and a B.Sc. in Management/Higher Diploma in Hotel & Catering Management from University of Dublin, Trinity College and Technological University Dublin, Ireland (1994). Her academic journey reflects deep integration of operations research and hospitality management. Her research centers on revenue management systems, consumer behavior in pricing contexts, and sustainable profit optimization. Key investigations include scarcity-based promotions, menu engineering, online booking psychology, and non-traditional revenue applications in golf. She emphasizes data visualization and operational design to balance profitability with social and environmental responsibility, examining how non-price information shapes consumer decisions across service encounters. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals expanding research scope from core hotel revenue management into crisis resilience, social inclusion, and cross-industry applications. Recent work addresses waiting-time psychology, employment biases against houseless individuals, and AI-driven commercial talent development, demonstrating adaptation to contemporary industry challenges while maintaining methodological rigor in experimental and field studies. No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials, though her consistent publication record in top-tier journals like Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research and International Journal of Hospitality Management indicates significant scholarly impact. Dr. Noone's grant-funded research focuses on pricing strategy effectiveness, non-price information processing in consumer decisions, service encounter management frameworks, and revenue management decision tools. Her projects generate actionable insights for hospitality operators through empirical analysis of consumer responses to scarcity cues, photograph content, and cultural variables in booking behavior, directly informing industry revenue optimization practices.
Priyanko Guchait is a tenured Full Professor and Program Director of the Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership (DGHL) at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership , University of Houston. His research focuses on organizational behavior, leadership, human resources, and service management in hospitality contexts, with over 75 peer-reviewed articles published. Education: B.E. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Pune, India M.S. in Hospitality Management, University of Missouri M.S. in Human Resources and Employment Relations Ph.D. in Hospitality Management, The Pennsylvania State University Research Interests include error management culture, psychological safety, service recovery performance, leader behavioral integrity, and AI’s impact on hospitality workers’ mental health. His work examines shame, forgiveness climate, and team dynamics in service environments. Article Trends show a focus on multi-level error management, human-robot collaboration in service recovery, diversity inclusion climates, and cross-cultural leadership studies. Recent papers explore AI ethics, pandemic response strategies, and emotional labor in hospitality roles. Awards & Honors Stephen Rushmore/HVS Research Excellence Award (2023, 2015) Donald Greenaway Excellence in Research, Teaching, and Service Award (2022) Best Paper Award, The Service Industries Journal (2023) ICHRIE Faculty Collegiality Award (2021) ICHRIE McCool Breakthrough Award (2021) Honored as 50-in-5 Scholar (2021) Provost’s Excellence Award (2015) Best Reviewer Awards (IJCHM 2016-2017) Committee & Editorial Roles include Associate Editor of IJCHM, Coordinating Editor of IJHM, and leadership positions at ICHRIE (President 2020-2021, Vice President 2019-2020). He has served on university curriculum, research, and Ph.D. selection committees.
Misun 'Sunny' Kim is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management at the Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts Amherst. She holds a Ph.D. in Management (2024) and multiple advanced degrees in Hospitality Management from Kansas State University (2020), alongside dual BAs from Sookmyung Women’s University and Le Cordon Bleu in South Korea (2014). Her research focuses on employee well-being, technology mediation (e.g., mobile ordering systems), work-family dynamics, and customer-employee interactions. Teaching specialties include Food Management, Human Resource Management, and Service Marketing. Dr. Kim has received prestigious awards such as the 2024 Isenberg Outstanding Doctoral Student Teaching Award and the 2023 Best Poster Award at the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education Conference. Her publications explore topics like sustainable tourism employment, robotic restaurant operations, and the impact of break room environments on psychological well-being. Notable contributions include analyzing cross-cultural robotic dining experiences and the psychological effects of work-family supportive policies in hospitality settings. Her work bridges theoretical insights with practical applications, emphasizing technology's role in enhancing both employee and customer experiences. Ongoing research trends include digital transformation in hospitality, employee empowerment strategies, and the evolving dynamics of work-life integration in modern service industries.
El-Hachemi Aliouche is an Associate Professor of Hospitality Management at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, University of New Hampshire. He holds the endowed Rosenberg Chair in Franchising and serves as Director of the Rosenberg International Franchise Center (RIFC). His research bridges franchise finance, social entrepreneurship, and international business, with emphasis on emerging economies like Algeria and India. Education includes: B.S. Electrical Engineering, UNH M.A. Economics, UNH M.B.A., UNH Ph.D. Economics, UNH Research focuses on: Franchise Finance : Stock performance, valuation models, and economic indicators in franchising. International Expansion : Market selection frameworks and regulatory challenges in North Africa/EU. Social Franchising : Scalable models for clean energy, childcare, and poverty reduction. Publications reflect three core trends: 1) Financial analysis of franchise systems, 2) Emerging market strategies, 3) Social enterprise applications. Recent work emphasizes sustainability and base-of-pyramid solutions. Awards and Recognition: Rosenberg Chair in Franchising (endowed position) Grants include multi-year funding from Dunkin' Brands, Rosenberg Family Foundation, and RIFC Advisory Board for franchising research. Leads the Rosenberg International Franchise Center, facilitating industry-academic partnerships.
Christina S. Simmers is a Professor in the Marketing Department at Missouri State University. She holds a PhD in Business Administration from Louisiana State University (2005), an MBA from Nicholls State University (1993), and a BS in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration from the University of New Orleans (1990). Her research focuses on influencer marketing , consumer behavior , and the impact of persuasion in endorsement contexts. Recent work explores Gen Z fan authenticity in sports marketing and post-pandemic supply chain transparency. Publications emphasize interdisciplinary consumer behavior analysis with applications in sports and supply chain management. Awards: Distinguished Research Award (Institute for Global Business), Multiple Honor Society Memberships Teaches MKT 772 Marketing Management , MKT 351 Consumer Market Behavior , and MKT 350 Principles of Marketing . Past roles include Marketing Club Advisor, leading to awards for Outstanding Professional Development (2008).
Professor Hee-Sup Han is a distinguished academic in the field of hospitality and tourism management, currently serving as a Full Professor at Sejong University's College of Hospitality and Tourism Management since 2013. He has held visiting positions at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's School of Hotel and Tourism Management (2019) and previously served as Assistant Professor at Dong-A University's Department of Tourism Management (2009-2013) and as Adjunct Professor at Kansas State University's Department of Hospitality Management (2007-2008). His academic credentials include a Ph.D. (2007) and M.S. (2005) from Kansas State University, and a B.S. (2000) from Dankook University. Professor Han has established himself as a leading authority in hospitality and tourism research with an impressive publication record of over 642 research outputs. Professor Han's research focuses on diverse areas within hospitality and tourism, with particular emphasis on hotel and restaurant marketing, consumer behavior, Muslim tourism, cultural and heritage tourism, airline and cruise tourism, medical tourism, and green marketing. His work consistently explores the intersection of sustainability, consumer psychology, and industry practices, contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge in these fields. His extensive publication portfolio demonstrates a strong trend toward sustainability-focused research, with increasing attention to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, corporate social responsibility in tourism contexts, and the implementation of sustainable practices across various tourism sectors including airlines, hotels, and heritage sites. Recent work also explores emerging technologies in tourism, cryptocurrency payments, and service automation. Highly cited researcher of the world in social science (Top 1%) - 2019-2023 Most productive author of the world (6th place) - Journal of Business Research Most cited author of the world in hospitality and tourism (2nd place) - International Journal of Hospitality Management Most prolific author of the world in the hotel sector (4th place) - Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research World's most influential researcher for 2019-2023 (awarded by Web of Science Group - Clarivate) Professor Han's research has significant practical implications for the tourism and hospitality industry, with numerous studies providing actionable insights for destination marketers, hotel managers, and airline executives. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, particularly in understanding consumer decision-making processes and developing effective sustainability strategies. He leads the Hospitality & Tourism Development Lab at Sejong University, which serves as a hub for innovative research in tourism development and hospitality management.
Jaewook Kim is a faculty member at the University of Houston’s College of Global Hospitality Leadership. Holding a Ph.D. in Hospitality Management from Iowa State University, he specializes in hospitality and tourism geography, spatial analysis, casino and gaming management, and entrepreneurship within the sharing economy. His educational background includes a B.B.A. from Sejong University (South Korea) and an M.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Houston. Research Interests: Hospitality and tourism geography with spatial analysis Entrepreneurship in the sharing economy (e.g., Airbnb, agritourism) Environmental sustainability practices in economy hotels and integrated resorts Crisis management in the restaurant industry (e.g., post-COVID-19 adaptation) Linguistic and behavioral economics in crowdfunding and online marketing Publication Trends: His work spans topics like ESG measurement for integrated resorts, spatial effects on P2P accommodation pricing, and health risk-driven changes in restaurant delivery consumption. Recent studies focus on digital transformation and sustainability in hospitality. Contact: Email jkim65@uh.edu .
Dr. Lan Jiang is an Associate Professor in the School of Resort & Hospitality Management at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). He holds a Ph.D. in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and an M.S. in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University. His research focuses on hospitality finance, revenue management, and technology, with publications in top-tier journals like the International Journal of Hospitality Management and Tourism Economics. He is a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) and holds the Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA). Education: Ph.D. in Hotel Administration, University of Nevada, Las Vegas M.S. in Hospitality Business, Michigan State University Research Interests: Hospitality Financial Management Revenue Management Strategies Managerial Accounting Technology in Hospitality Publications Highlight Trends in: Sustainability practices in hotels Digital marketing and travel demand Franchising and financial strategies in restaurants Cross-cultural education and competency modeling Scientific Awards: Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) Advising and Grants: No specific advising or grant information is listed, though his research has explored industry-relevant topics like capital expenditures and debt monitoring in hospitality sectors. Labs/Teams: No lab affiliations explicitly mentioned, though his work involves collaborative research with industry stakeholders and international institutions.
John Salazar is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. He earned his PhD from Auburn University, MS from the University of South Alabama, and BS from Northeastern University. Salazar serves as Coordinator of the University of Georgia Hospitality and Food Industry Management Major and has held faculty roles at institutions including the University of South Carolina Beaufort, University of Tennessee, Southern Illinois University, and University of South Alabama. Education: PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Auburn University, MS in Hospitality Administration from University of South Alabama, BS in Business Administration from Northeastern University His research focuses on hospitality human resource dynamics, destination marketing, event management, and pandemic-related travel behavior. Key themes include job satisfaction, learning transfer, cross-cultural tourism, and risk perception analysis. His recent work examines disaster recovery, emotional solidarity, and post-pandemic travel adaptations. With over 80 peer-reviewed publications and $1.2M in grants, Salazar has advised numerous tourism agencies and hospitality firms. He has held leadership roles in academic associations, including Chapter President of the Southeast Travel and Tourism Research Association and Director of Research for the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (Southeast/Central/South America Federation). His technical work includes food safety protocols, travel motivation theory, and empirical studies on tipping behavior. Notable collaborations include research partnerships with Marriott Hotels, Sea Pines Resort, and the US Department of Transportation.
Jin Hoo Kim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Sejong University's College of Hotel, Tourism and Food Service Management. He has been with Sejong University since 2011, initially as an Assistant Professor (2011-2017) and promoted to Associate Professor in 2018. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University (2010), an M.S. in the same field from the University of Massachusetts (2007), and a B.A. in Economics from Seoul National University (1998). Education Ph.D., Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University, 2010 M.S., Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Massachusetts, 2007 B.A., Economics, Seoul National University, 1998 Research Interests Professor Kim's research focuses on international tourism and consumer decision-making in hospitality contexts. His work examines various aspects of tourist behavior including destination selection, reservation channel preferences, spending decisions, and environmentally friendly behaviors in hotel settings. He is particularly known for applying advanced statistical and research methods to hospitality and tourism research, with expertise in spatial econometrics and moderated regression analysis. His research has significant practical implications for tourism marketing, destination management, and hotel operations, addressing contemporary issues in the digital age such as online reservation systems, live commerce in tourism, and the sharing economy's impact on traditional hospitality sectors. Research Trends Professor Kim's publication record shows a consistent research trajectory in hospitality and tourism management spanning over 15 years. His early work focused on financial aspects of hospitality firms, including hotel REITs and dividend behavior. More recently, his research has shifted toward consumer behavior in digital contexts, examining online reservation channels, social commerce, and the psychological factors influencing tourist decisions. A notable trend is his increasing focus on methodological rigor, with several publications addressing appropriate statistical techniques for tourism research. Scientific Recognition h-index of 6 based on Scopus citations 195 total citations according to institutional metrics Publications in high-impact journals including Journal of Travel Research, International Journal of Hospitality Management, and Current Issues in Tourism Academic Service Professor Kim serves as an advisor for graduate students, supervising master's and doctoral theses in the Graduate School of Hotel, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Restaurant Management. He teaches courses including International Hotel Tourism Seminar, Cruise Management Theory, and guides students through graduation research. His industry experience at SK C&C (2000-2002) provides practical insights that inform his academic work and teaching. Research Environment Professor Kim maintains an active research laboratory at Sejong University (Gwang 505), where he collaborates with colleagues on various tourism and hospitality projects. His research group focuses on both quantitative analysis of tourist behavior and methodological advancements in hospitality research, examining contemporary issues in tourism marketing, digital hospitality, and destination management.
Matthew J. Bauman serves as an Assistant Professor at Purdue University Northwest's White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management within the College of Business. His academic career focuses on the intersection of consumer behavior and hospitality management, with particular expertise in wine, beer, and food tourism sectors. Dr. Bauman earned his educational credentials from prestigious hospitality programs: a Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration from Texas Tech University, an M.S. in Hospitality Management from the University of Houston, and a B.S. in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the same institution. His research investigates how involvement and expertise impact consumer decision-making, information processing and preference development, with specific focus on wine, beer and food consumer behavior. Dr. Bauman employs experiential learning techniques in his teaching, connecting theoretical concepts with real-world applications through research projects and hands-on lesson plans. His work with students extends to collaborative research projects, including a grant exploring expressions of gratitude in tipping behavior and sustainable tourism impacts of short-term rentals. His publication record demonstrates consistent focus on wine tourism, consumer behavior, and beverage industry marketing, with articles appearing in Current Issues in Tourism and International Journal of Wine Business Research. His research has gained recognition beyond academia, being featured in Forbes and WineBusiness.com. WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, Passed with Distinction Certified Beer Server in the Cicerone Program Editorial Board, Wine Business Case Research Journal Dr. Bauman actively mentors students through research collaborations and brings industry experience into the classroom. His current projects include research on sustainable tourism impacts and expressions of gratitude in service encounters. Notably, he maintains one of the world's largest collections of canned wine and is pursuing a Guinness World Record for this unique collection, reflecting his deep engagement with beverage industry trends.
Christina Stamper is a Professor of Management at the Department of Management within the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University (WMU). She has held this position since 2010 and previously served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs (2011-2016), during which the B.B.A. program enrollment increased by ~10%. She currently directs the Human Resource Management program and teaches courses in HRM, organizational behavior, and business ethics. Her research focuses on employer-employee relationships, diversity/inclusion dynamics, and workplace exclusion, with publications in top management journals. Education: Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management, Michigan State University MBA in Hospitality Management, Michigan State University B.B.A. in Marketing, University of Miami Her research interests emphasize fostering inclusive workplaces through understanding cultural, structural, and psychological factors. Recent work explores societal barriers, diversity indices, and leadership metaphors. She currently serves as Associate Editor for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: An International Journal and has held leadership roles in the Academy of Management Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Before academia, Stamper worked as a restaurant manager at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Corporation. She actively contributes to editorial boards and policy discussions on global HRM best practices, diversity readiness indices, and organizational citizenship behavior.
Dr. Sujata Sirsat serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership, where she addresses critical food safety and public health challenges across hospitality, agricultural, and retail sectors. Her academic credentials include: B.S. in Life Sciences from Mumbai University M.S. in Biotechnology from Texas A&M University Ph.D. in Poultry Science from the University of Arkansas Dr. Sirsat's research centers on food safety disparities , food insecurity , and microbiological risk assessment , with innovative work in low-literacy training toolkits and environmental pathogen monitoring. She integrates molecular biology and public health frameworks to develop practical interventions for farmers' markets, hotels, and domestic kitchens, emphasizing vulnerable populations. Analysis of her 2022-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on pathogen persistence mechanisms (using bacteriophage surrogates), cross-contamination dynamics in hospitality settings, and data-driven food safety monitoring through consumer reviews and hydroponic systems. Her work bridges laboratory microbiology with real-world applications in retail and agricultural operations. While securing over $3 million in competitive grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas Department of Agriculture, no specific scientific awards or medals were documented in the source material. Her funded research enhances food safety practices across retail, restaurants, and small farms, with active teaching in undergraduate Food Safety/Foodservice Management and doctoral Grant Writing courses. Current contact details confirm ongoing institutional engagement: email sasirsat@uh.edu, phone 713-743-2624, office S230.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUnited States
Dr. Shaniel Bernard Simpson is an Assistant Professor at the Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management within Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business . With expertise in sustainability, environmental management, and social justice in hospitality, she teaches courses on Lodging Management and Hospitality Market Data Analytics. Research Focus: ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) in hospitality, sustainability communication, consumer behavior toward innovation, and environmental management. Awards: 2020 Student Involvement Award at Auburn University for academic and leadership excellence. Industry Expertise: Former Guest Service Manager, Events Planner, and Marketing Manager in hospitality and tourism sectors. Education: PhD in Nutrition, Dietetics & Hospitality Management (Auburn University, 2020); MS in Hospitality Business Management (University of Delaware). Publication Trends: Recent work spans sustainability certifications, environmental messaging in hotels, and digital transformation in the restaurant industry. Collaborative research with scholars like Nicolau, Rahman, and Singal highlights her focus on bridging academic rigor with industry challenges.
