ICHRIE Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) ΗΣΔ Undergraduate Research Symposium
20-21 February 2025 

DAY ONE

Opening Keynote

Christian Hardigree, Regional Chancelor, University of South Florida St. Petersburg

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Treetop Kitchen: Welcome Reception

After the keynote speech at the opening session, participants traveled to Busch Gardens Theme Park via the USF BullRunner bus for the Welcome Reception, offering a fantastic opportunity to network. At the TreeTop Kitchen Restaurant, they enjoyed delicious appetizers while taking in breathtaking wildlife views.

Dr. Joni Jones, Interim Director of the USF School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, warmly welcomed attendees and provided insights into the school's programs. The evening concluded with enthusiastic applause as participants expressed their appreciation for the USF Hospitality and Tourism Student Club members for their outstanding hospitality in hosting the symposium.

 DAY TWO

>>> Best Papers – Event and Tourism Paper Winners

Oklahoma State University
Mikayla Herra
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Willie Tao
Beyond the Stereotypes: Examining the Challenges and Opportunities for Authentic Native American Tourism

Bethune-Cookman University
Kristianna Anderson
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ruth Smith
Greening the Table: Advancing Sustainability in Restaurant Systems Through Innovation and Farm-to-Table Practices

Metropolitan State University Denver
Tyrin Register
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Godwin-Charles Ogbeide
The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on the Hospitality and Tourism Industry

>>> Meritorious Paper Award (Event & Tourism track)

Stockton University
Gabriella DeFrancisco
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Noel Criscione-Naylor and Dr. Jennifer Aarons
Economic Impact of Major Events on the Lodging Sector: A Case Study of Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour”

Widener University
Dailyn Gaines
Faculty Advisor: Jeff Lolli
Factors That Contribute to the Success of Managing Professional Sports Leagues

Fort Hays State University
Callyn Anderson and Delanee Bedore
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stacey L. Smith
The New Space Race: Gen Z's Perception with Emerging Space Tourism

>>> Meritorious Paper Award Winners (Hospitality & Education track)

Michigan State University
Kira Saroken, Yongwoo Nam, Benjamin Kim, Hala Sun, and Troy Walker
Faculty Advisor: Mi Ran Kim
Enhancing Workforce Readiness in the Hospitality Industry: A Gender-Based Study of Hospitality Business Students’ Internship Experiences

Fort Hays State University
Katie Hale, Marisol Banda and Cory Cimaglia
Facutly Advisor: Dr. Stacey L. Smith
Hidden in Plain Sight: Exploring the Role of Hotels in Human Trafficking Networks

>>> Meritorious Paper Award (Technology & Sustainability track)

West Virginia University
Amelia Szczesny and Kristen Kelly
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ajay Aluri
Exploring the Impact of Voice-powered AI Concierge and its Influence on Personalized Guest Experiences and Operational Efficiency

Oklahoma State University
Emily Howe
Faculty Advisor: Willie Tao
Enhancing Event Inclusivity: Applying Immersive Technology for People with Disabilities

Industry Panel Discussion!

Student Research Presenters awarded with Scholarship Opportunity hatched from ICHRIE Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) ΗΣΔ Undergraduate Research Symposium!

Boston University congratulated the ICHRIE Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) ΗΣΔ Undergraduate Research Symposium presenters by generously offering them a scholarship to attend their Graduate School! Dean Arun Upneja, Ph.D., stated in their offer that “The student’s commitment to research and innovation in hospitality is commendable, and Boston University is excited to offer the research presenters a special scholarship opportunity in recognition of their accomplishment!” Dean Arun Upneja, Ph.D. greeted the students with a personal video invitation!

Returning Research Presenters!

These students from Stockton University and Fort Hays State University present research two years in a row!

Volunteers!

ICHRIE and the Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) ΗΣΔ Undergraduate Research Symposium Planning team are very grateful to all of the student volunteers at the University of South Florida!

Sponsors!

ICHRIE and the Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) ΗΣΔ Undergraduate Research Symposium planning team are grateful to our generous sponsors!

The 2025 Winners!!

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