At Florida State University, researchers from the Dedman College of Hospitality and the Learning Systems Institute (LSI) are investigating how tourism can drive economic recovery and support mental health in regions impacted by crises such as natural disasters or armed conflict.

A study led by LSI Researcher Anna Romanova and Dedman Associate Professor Sean McGinley focuses on Ukraine and highlights tourism’s dual role: stimulating local economies through job creation and entrepreneurship, while also aiding psychological recovery for those affected by trauma and displacement.

“This work demonstrates how hospitality can be a force for renewal,” said Dedman College of Hospitality Dean Don Farr. “When people come together through travel and shared experiences, it can restore livelihoods and spirits, at the same time.”

“This work demonstrates how hospitality can be a force for renewal. When people come together through travel and shared experiences, it can restore livelihoods and spirits, at the same time.”

– Don Farr, Dedman College of Hospitality dean

The study’s findings underscore the potential of hospitality-driven initiatives to serve as both economic lifelines and pathways to emotional resilience in post-crisis environments.

“As a former CEO of the Association of Hospitality of Ukraine, I bring a deeply personal perspective to this research,” Romanova said. “Having arrived in Tallahassee three years ago due to the war in Ukraine, I’ve seen firsthand how the hospitality sector in Ukraine continues to persevere. We’re exploring how tourism and outdoor activities can not only drive economic recovery but also support mental health for Ukrainian military veterans, offering a path toward healing and resilience for my homeland.”

The research draws on the tourism-led growth hypothesis, which suggests that tourism can anchor economic activity and stimulate surrounding industries. The team conducted a mixed-methods study between April and May 2025, involving Ukrainian veterans who participated in seven- to 14-day vacations in the Carpathian Mountains.

Using surveys and in-depth interviews, the researchers assessed changes in mental health indicators such as aggression, anxiety and sleep disorders.

Among 56 veterans, most reported noticeable reductions in anxiety and aggression, improved sleep quality and enhanced mood and physical condition. Approximately 77% of participants agreed that travel and outdoor activities helped distract from negative thoughts and reduce stress.

“By studying the intersection of tourism and mental health, we’re uncovering how structured outdoor experiences can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and community,” said McGinley, associate professor at the Dedman College of Hospitality. “Our findings in Ukraine suggest that these initiatives not only aid personal recovery but also spark entrepreneurial opportunities, creating a ripple effect for local economies.”

Veterans described their travel experiences as providing a sense of freedom, relief from routine and opportunities to reconnect with themselves and others. Many preferred unstructured, nature-based environments and emphasized the value of peer interaction and gentle physical activities.

“Hospitality is part of that global force for good that FSU is, and it’s exciting to be a part of that. The fact that we can do this right here in Leon County and make a difference in places as far away as Ukraine is really exciting and shows the local and global impact of the university.”

 – Sean McGinley, Dedman College of Hospitality associate professor

Romanova and McGinley developed a conceptual model showing how tourism can simultaneously drive economic recovery and foster mental health improvements. Their findings suggest that well-designed tourism initiatives can serve as nonclinical interventions for mental health while also creating jobs and supporting local economies.

“While our study focuses on Ukraine as a case study, we believe the findings could inform strategies for economic and mental health recovery around the world,” Romanova said. “We’re also exploring new avenues, including the emerging interest in golf tourism in Ukraine inspired by U.S. veteran initiatives and cultural exchanges.”

They recommend that recovery strategies — whether in post-conflict societies or areas affected by natural disasters — include therapeutic, nature-based and memorial tourism programs with a focus on community engagement and inclusivity.

“Hospitality is part of that global force for good that FSU is, and it’s exciting to be a part of that,” McGinley said. “The fact that we can do this right here in Leon County and make a difference in places as far away as Ukraine is really exciting and shows the local and global impact of the university.”

For more information about the Dedman College of Hospitality, visit dedman.fsu.edu. To learn more about Romanova and McGinley’s findings, visit Socio-Cultural Management Journal.

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Florida State University mourns the loss of Nancy McMillan Dedman, a civic leader and philanthropist whose generosity with her late husband Robert H. Dedman Sr. transformed FSU’s hospitality program and left an enduring legacy. Nancy Dedman died Oct. 8, 2025, at the age of 97. 

For more than 50 years, the Dedman family has supported institutions of higher education and community organizations. Their philanthropic partnership with Florida State University began in the 1990s when alumnus Jim Riscigno, a ClubCorp executive, asked Robert H. Dedman to invest in a new home for the hospitality program. The Dedmans embraced the opportunity, contributing to the development of the University Center complex, including $1.5 million to help fund the University Center Club. 

In 1999, The Robert and Nancy Dedman Foundation donated $7 million to FSU’s Department of Hospitality Administration, a gift matched by the State of Florida. The gift established the Dedman Endowment in Hospitality and helped finance a purpose-built facility at the south end of Doak Campbell Stadium. In recognition of this generosity, the university renamed the program the Dedman School of Hospitality in 2001, eventually becoming the Dedman College of Hospitality in 2020. 

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Florida State University student Jaclyn Madson, a double major in marketing through the College of Business and hospitality and tourism management through the Dedman College of Hospitality, chose FSU because of its academic reputation and welcoming nature. Now, Madson is a James M. Seneff Scholar and uses her time at FSU to give back to the university and Tallahassee community.  

Deeply involved in Kappa Delta sorority, Madson engages with fellow sorority members to raise money for local organizations that support children in Tallahassee, such as the Girl Scouts of America, Children’s Home Society and Prevent Child Abuse America.

Her dedication to service led to a nomination for the Dedman College of Hospitality’s Humanitarian of the Year Award. 

Why did you choose Florida State University?

The sense of family and welcoming atmosphere on campus set Florida State University apart. The school’s excellent academic rankings and standards captured my attention. After touring the campus and speaking with current students, I felt like I belonged. I was shown around by incredible students of the College of Business and realized that FSU was the perfect place for me to pursue my educational goals while taking part in the vibrant community. 

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

I was inducted into the James M. Seneff Scholar program, which selects 16 students in the College of Business to receive one-on-one mentorship, attend meetings with business leaders, travel to learn about different companies and attend experiential learning opportunities.

I was recognized as the Dedman College of Hospitality’s Humanitarian of the Year Award nominee. The award ceremony recognized one student from every college who had been a leader in their philanthropic work. It was an honor.

What community service have you participated in and around FSU?

As president and vice president of events and programming for Kappa Delta, I helped our sorority raise a record-breaking $160,000 for Children’s Home Society of Tallahassee and Prevent Child Abuse America over the last two years.  Last year I started a lip sync competition as a new event that could raise more money for our philanthropies, which then became an annual event.

As a chapter, we started volunteering with Children’s Home Society events on the weekends when they needed assistance. This organization works to ensure that every child has a safe, loving and permanent home by providing services like foster care, adoption and support programs. The most impactful event was their Chef’s Taste of Home event in Tallahassee. Volunteering has bonded our organizations and has shown the tangible help that we have been able to provide. I could not imagine my life in Tallahassee without my connection to the Children’s Home Society.

In addition, I have built a strong relationship with the Tallahassee Girl Scouts. Through confidence workshops, card making activities and cookie booth events, I have mentored and empowered young girls to advocate for themselves and enacted positive change in our community. 

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At the heart of its mission to cultivate global leaders, Florida State University’s Dedman College of Hospitality has invited Peter B. Kim to join the College as a visiting professor sharing his extensive knowledge and experience in the hotel and hospitality industry.

Originally from South Korea, Kim brings a lifetime of international experience to the university as he engages with students through guest lectures and mentorship opportunities, emphasizing the leadership principles essential for success in the hospitality industry.

Before joining academia, Kim held prominent management roles at renowned hotel chains such as Park Hyatt, Sofitel, Marriott and Westin. His extensive industry experience, coupled with his academic contributions in New Zealand, including his role as co-leader of the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative Research Team, positions him as a tremendous asset to the college.

How did you become involved in the hospitality industry?

My journey in the hospitality industry began in South Korea during my early 20s as a valet parker at a hotel where I quickly fell in love with the field. I enjoyed meeting new people and serving them, which led me to explore various roles, transitioning from valet to driver, doorman, bellman, restaurant room service and front office manager, consistently working my way up. Each role taught me valuable lessons, from the importance of first impressions to the intricacies of guest satisfaction, laying a solid foundation for my career. My passion for hospitality was ignited by my father whose career in an international hotel exposed me to the industry’s dynamic energy at an early age. Inspired by this, I pursued a career in hospitality, earning a master’s degree in hospitality management from Ohio State University and a doctorate in hospitality and tourism management from Virginia Tech. 

How did your experience in various roles shape your understanding of the hospitality industry?

Working in various positions within the hospitality industry taught me invaluable lessons about people skills, emotional and cultural intelligence, and the importance of understanding and respecting others. My love for meeting new people and hearing their stories made me well-suited for this field, allowing me to interact with various backgrounds and nurture empathy. Each role from valet to front manager provided unique insights into industry operations and customer service dynamics which I now emphasize to my students, sharing real-world experiences and practical knowledge to prepare them for successful careers in hospitality. 

What have you enjoyed about working with students at FSU, and what key messages do you emphasize to them?

I have found the students at FSU to be incredibly determined, inspired and motivated. They respect others and have a genuine passion for the hospitality industry as well as a great respect for their professors. This respect and pride in their college make them stand out compared to students in other institutions. They have the right attitude toward their major, which is essential for their success. 

I always share my personal experiences with them and emphasize the importance of loving their job. I encourage students to take pride in their work as the hospitality industry is about helping, caring for and respecting others. By sharing my journey and the lessons I’ve learned, I aim to inspire students to pursue their careers with enthusiasm and dedication, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and rewards of the hospitality industry.

What opportunities are available in the hospitality industry for FSU students?

The hospitality industry has become incredibly global, offering amazing opportunities for students. International hotel chains often have special programs that allow employees to rotate and move to different locations, and general managers and executive managers are frequently asked to work in various countries. Working in international hotels exposes individuals to different cultures and provides numerous perks such as hotel stays, tickets, training opportunities and exchange programs. Students majoring in hospitality management have the chance to travel and work around the world, gaining valuable experiences and broadening their perspectives. These global opportunities not only enhance their professional skills but also enrich their personal growth, making them more adaptable and competitive in the global job market. 

How do you use your past experiences to enhance your teaching and prepare students for the workforce?

My journey in the hospitality industry has been rich with experiences that I love sharing with my students. I believe it is important to find a healthy balance for students between hearing real-life stories and learning from textbook information. Nowadays, they have access to a lot of useful information on platforms like YouTube, but what they often miss are real-life stories and lessons — so, I always share my personal stories in the classroom and relate them to relevant concepts or theories. This approach helps me connect with students and makes the learning process more engaging. As a professor, my role isn’t just to provide information. My experiences in the hospitality industry allow me to communicate effectively with students who aspire to develop their careers in this field. I believe that my stories and experiences help them understand the practical aspects of the industry and inspire them to pursue their goals with passion. 

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Florida State University’s Dedman College of Hospitality has once again been recognized for its excellence in hospitality and tourism education. According to the 2024 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), the college has earned a new ranking of sixth in the United States and 18th worldwide. 

The GRAS, published by Shanghai Ranking, highlights the best institutions globally based on five major evaluation categories: world-class faculty, world-class output, high-quality research, research impact and international collaboration. 

“This achievement reflects the collective efforts of the Dedman community,” said Don Farr, dean of the Dedman College of Hospitality. “We are committed to delivering more than academic excellence. Our mission is to provide a transformative education that cultivates success. Every opportunity we create is designed to empower our students to lead with confidence and innovation across a global landscape.” 

Dedman’s rise in the rankings places it among the world’s most prestigious hospitality schools. This achievement is driven by students who actively engage in innovative projects and internships and solidified by the notable alumni who exemplify the college’s exceptional teaching and influence throughout the industry. 

“Dedman’s impact lies in equipping students with the right experiences, environment and connections they need. Here, ambition meets opportunity, and the future of hospitality takes shape.”

— Don Farr, dean of the Dedman College of Hospitality

In line with this recognition, the Dedman College of Hospitality is committed to ensuring student success by offering a personalized academic experience. The college aims to guide students through their hospitality journey with multiple opportunities to develop knowledge, practical skills and engagement with global industry leaders.  

“Dedman’s impact lies in equipping students with the right experiences, environment and connections they need. Here, ambition meets opportunity, and the future of hospitality takes shape,” said Farr. 

Newly renovated facilities, including the recently opened Day Family Collaboration Center named in honor of Cecil B. Day, the founder of Days Inns of America, provide a welcoming space for hospitality students to collaborate and engage. This contribution, along with an anonymous donation in 2022, has significantly enhanced students’ learning experiences through extensive renovations on the first and second floors of the University Center Building B, which houses the Dedman College of Hospitality. These renovations feature new private meeting rooms, computer stations, secluded areas for individual study and the creation of a new recruitment center, all designed to accommodate and assist a range of student needs. 

Students take lessons learned in classrooms and develop their skills through professional, hands-on academic programs such as the Little Dinner Series. Each semester, students work in teams to design unique dining experiences. This series aims to enhance students’ culinary and event management skills while fostering creativity and teamwork. Students gain invaluable preparation for successful careers in the hospitality industry, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere for guests and students participating in this series. 

To further strengthen Dedman’s brand, the college has recently established a new Student Leadership Council. Selected for their excellence, leadership and passion for hospitality, these students elevate Dedman’s brand through various experiences. These include increasing student engagement, enhancing recruitment at networking events and spearheading other student-centric activities. This initiative underscores the importance of embracing the college’s offerings and fostering lifelong connections. 

For more information about the Dedman College of Hospitality and its programs, visit dedman.fsu.edu. 

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Since 1957, the Little Dinner Series at Florida State University’s Dedman College of Hospitality has been a cherished tradition, offering students an invaluable, hands-on learning experience. This program has become a vital part of the college’s commitment to excellence, providing a unique platform for students to immerse themselves in the art of hospitality.

“The Little Dinner Series is a transformative experience for our students, offering them the rare opportunity to bring their classroom knowledge to life in a real-world setting,” said Zach Weston, faculty and chef of the Little Dinner Series. “With each dinner, our students gain hands-on experience that builds not just technical skills, but also the creativity and confidence necessary to excel in the hospitality industry.”

Created by Professor Ashby Stiff, this series is a key component of the catering management course where students develop skills by planning and hosting themed four-course dinners. Students manage every aspect of the event, from initial concept to final execution, ensuring that each dinner is a memorable occasion for attendees.

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Athletes, spectators and media from around the world will travel to Paris later this month for the 2024 Olympics.

The games run from July 26 through Aug. 11. Major international sporting events such as the Olympics bring a level of spectacle and scrutiny unlike many others. When the world is watching, organizers are under intense pressure for things to run smoothly. Athletes who want to share a message have a grand stage.

Florida State University experts in athletic performance, marketing, journalism and hospitality are available to speak to media covering the Olympics.

Timothy Baghurst, professor and director, Interdisciplinary Center for Athletic Coaching (FSU COACH), College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
(501) 613-8913; tbaghurst@fsu.edu

Baghurst’s research focuses on coaching education and development, with specific interests in coaching ethics, coach/athlete health and well-being and variables that affect elite performance. He has worked with sports organizations affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and International Olympic Committee.

“The Olympics are unique, providing athletes and coaching staff one shot at glory. The pressure to get it right at the right time is immense! This quadrennial event also becomes a hotbed for discussion on topics such as doping, transgender athletes, and other controversial societal and political issues. How coaches and athletes prepare for the unique mental and physical challenges the Olympics provide may be the difference between a podium finish or the four-year wait to try again.”

Megan M. Buning, teaching faculty, Interdisciplinary Center for Athletic Coaching (FSU COACH), College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
m.buning@fsu.edu

Buning is an expert on athletic coaching, athlete experiences and mental performance for coaches, athletes and game officials. She is a certified mental performance consultant and is listed on the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry.

“Mental preparation for athletes of all levels is critical to success. Elite level athletes, like those competing in the Olympics, typically have consistent mental, physical, and emotional routines in place that help them stay focused and emotionally regulated during competition. Athletes at the elite level must train for longevity in the sense that their seasons (training and competition) are typically longer than what you would see for collegiate athletes. Athletes, coaches, and referees across the variety of sports offered in the Olympics must prepare a little differently for the pace of play and specific performance needs during competition.”

James Du, assistant professor, Department of Sport Management, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
(850) 644-1859; jdu3@fsu.edu

Du’s research focuses on consumer behavior and marketing intelligence in sport and recreational settings. His research integrates applied big data analytics, Bayesian modeling and machine learning to inform sport organizations on effective marketing strategies and their socioeconomic impact on individuals and communities.

“The Paris 2024 Olympics are set to have a transformative impact. The economic, social and environmental benefits are traditionally the focus in evaluating the legacy of mega sporting events such as this. These Games are expected to generate significant direct and induced economic impact, including employment boosts and consumer spending. They are also a vehicle for promoting gender equality, inclusivity and community engagement, with initiatives targeting improved access for people with disabilities. Paris 2024 also aims to be the first carbon-neutral Games by using renewable energy and sustainable construction practices, setting a new standard for operating environmentally sustainable mega-events. Technological innovations like AI surveillance will enhance operational security for goals such as athlete safety and combating online abuse and misinformation. Paris 2024 aims for a positive legacy across all fronts.”

Nathan Line, Cecil B. Day Distinguished Professor, Dedman College of Hospitality
nline@fsu.edu

Line studies marketing and consumer behavior in the hospitality industry. His primary research is on the behavior of hotel and restaurant patrons and their reaction to consumption environments.

“Mega events like the Olympics are a complicated financial equation for host countries. There are many stakeholders that stand to incur both benefits and costs. For hotels, there is certainly a short-term boost in revenue associated with an increased demand for lodging during the event. Often, there is even a need to develop additional hotel supply in advance of mega events to accommodate the demand surge. The problem, however, is that filing the additional rooms becomes quite difficult once the event has passed, resulting in decreased average occupancies in host cities.”

Patrick Merle, associate professor and director of the School of Communication, College of Communication and Information
pmerle@fsu.edu

Merle is a native of France who previously worked as a journalist for Eurosport, Europe’s largest sports network. His work includes coverage of multiple track and field and cycling events and the preparation for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

“After the results of exceptional legislative elections, France will be under additional global scrutiny with the summer Olympics held in Paris. Between a grandiose spectacle in the City of Light orchestrated to showcase a new Paris and crises such as the pollution of the Seine River, as well as the desire to have an Olympic village green and therefore without air conditioning, journalists will have a myriad of stories to cover.”

Michael Ormsbee, professor, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
mormsbee@fsu.edu

Ormsbee’s research interests include nighttime pre-sleep feeding strategies to optimize metabolism and recovery from exercise, exercise training and nutritional interventions to maximize human performance in athletes, sports nutrition and dietary supplements and other subjects related to human health and performance. He is the director of the FSU Institute of Sports Sciences & Medicine.

“Getting nutrition right is one key to Olympic success. Each athlete’s needs are unique, so personalizing diet and supplements can really boost recovery, endurance, and performance. By focusing on individual requirements and fine-tuning their nutritional strategies, athletes can optimize their training and competition results, ensuring they are in peak condition when it matters most.”

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Florida State University students play a pivotal role in supporting the Tallahassee economy. But beyond their economic contributions, students also make a significant impact through community engagement and service.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, more than 4,250 FSU students dedicated nearly 236,000 hours of service, worth an estimated $7.5 million, to nonprofit organizations.

“By volunteering and giving back, students can make a real difference in the lives of others and help build a stronger, more connected community,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “Acts of service not only benefit the organization and recipients, but also instill a sense of civic responsibility and social awareness in students. Students who volunteer are nurturing their own personal growth and development, as well as helping shape the future of our community.”

Local agencies served by FSU students in recent years include The Kearney Center, Project Annie and Second Harvest of the Big Bend Food Bank.

Positive impact

As the region’s primary source for charitable food, Second Harvest provides healthy food for those facing hunger and food insecurity throughout the 16-county Big Bend service area. They say they could not accomplish their vision without the help of FSU students.

“The value that Florida State students bring to Second Harvest is immeasurable,” said Ashleigh Wilson, communications coordinator at Second Harvest. “Students at FSU often help coordinate food drives, help with our daily operations and commit to consistently serving our community directly.”

Second Harvest’s facility serves as the storage and distribution depot for more than 149 smaller frontline agency partners in their efforts to feed the hungry and educate the community about the fight to end hunger.

Kate Ash, a recent graduate from the Dedman College of Hospitality, found out about Second Harvest through a Leadership in Groups and Communities (LDR 2162) class during her sophomore year. The course is offered through the Leadership Studies program in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

During her time with Second Harvest, Ash served as a volunteer and intern, even bringing in groups from her sorority to donate their time. She has helped coordinate volunteers and organized the volunteer appreciation week.

“While it can be hard for students to take the time to volunteer, it gets you outside of your bubble,” Ash said. “You’ll realize that you are not only making a positive impact on the community, but that it can make a positive impact on you.”

How students find opportunities

The Center for Leadership and Service, the campus hub for service, is charged with helping students develop skills and knowledge to become more effective leaders and engage responsibly with communities. Through various programs and resources, the center aims to foster and sustain collaborative relationships among students, the FSU campus and the broader community.

EngageTLH, one program the center offers, fosters meaningful connections between the FSU and Tallahassee communities with the goal of making service accessible for students. The program offers service trips to community partner agencies on various days and times.

Trips have addressed such needs as animal care, K-12 academic development, environmental sustainability, elder care, food insecurity and homelessness.

“Students only commit to one trip when they sign up but often return when they find a cause they are passionate about,” said Maria-Paula McIntyre, who coordinates the EngageTLH program. “Many go on to take leadership roles, guiding other students through service as trained facilitators and helping them understand the community needs their service helps alleviate.”

Last year, about 800 students went on 160 service trips to 19 local agencies through the EngageTLH program, providing an economic impact of $48,700, according to the Independent Sector’s Value of Volunteer Time Report.

Joi Phillips, director of the Center for Leadership & Service, emphasized the importance of the reciprocal relationship between FSU students and the broader community.

“We appreciate the community allowing our students the opportunity to learn from and with them,” Phillips said. “We know that experiential learning as a high-impact practice provides students with the skills to serve as leaders in their communities and to make sustainable change that lasts beyond them and their time in Tallahassee.”

The center also offers programs such as the Service Scholar program, Service Leadership Seminar and the Conversation Café that connect students with opportunities focusing on the areas of leadership, service and civic engagement.

Sophomore Hillary Harbauer has used the center’s resources to get involved. She is a part of the Service Scholar program, is a facilitator for weekly service trips through EngageTLH, serves as a community ambassador and mentors students in service leadership Engage 100 courses.

As a peer mentor through Engage 100, Harbauer facilitates classes that prepare new students to venture into service opportunities in the Tallahassee community.

“Whether we are learning about the Community Ambassadors program or EngageTLH, I support my students by sharing my experiences and sharing the insights I have learned and opportunities that I have found being a part of these programs,” Harbauer said.

She said that a large part of her undergraduate journey so far has been recognizing that there is much to be learned from those in communities different from your own: “My main driving factor is that I understand what it feels like to be overlooked based on your circumstances.”

Solving problems with research

Many FSU students choose to get involved with undergraduate research through the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE) or pursue master’s and doctoral degrees through The Graduate School with a research focus on a particular issue. Some of these research projects grapple with issues that face the greater Tallahassee community, initiate conversations and propose collaborative possible solutions.

“Conducting community-informed research has the potential to benefit the student and the collaborating community in powerful ways,” said Latika Young, director of the CRE. “Beyond the typical research skills of design and analysis, students conducting research with and within communities practice the additional skills of networking and partnership development, self-reflexivity and communication skills, among others. These research projects often have instrumental impacts on communities by encouraging stakeholder engagement, modifying behavior and interventions and even informing policy and legislation.”

Senior Alycia Drapcho worked on the research project “GIS Analysis of Heavy Precipitation Events & Contamination in Lake Munson.” Community wastewater spills have the potential to adversely affect community health and water supplies. Drapcho utilized geographic information systems, to examine the possible spread of contaminants beyond initial spill points and the effectiveness of cleanup efforts.

“I think it means focusing on how the bigger, general issues like pollution are affecting us on a smaller, local scale and presenting that in an effort to raise awareness,” Drapcho said. “I was drawn to this project because, like I said, hearing how big issues affect us and not really being able to see it on a small scale, made me more interested to better grasp those concepts. FSU’s research facilities and connections with local researchers allowed us access to up-to-date data, as well as firsthand experiences and insights from researchers familiar with our subject matter and how it has affected the Tallahassee area.”

Camila Aponte, a recent graduate, worked on the research project “Assessing Public Participation in Redevelopment Projects: A Case Study of Tallahassee, Florida.” Her research focused on the social impact of participatory tools in neighborhoods undergoing redevelopment projects and resulted in proposed policy recommendations for future projects.

She says that the CRE and DeVoe L. Moore Center have provided her invaluable guidance throughout her research journey.

“Engaging in research with the Tallahassee community gave me insight into communities that have been impacted by local decision-making for generations,” Aponte said. “Working on this project allowed me to look at a topic that had never been explored before and having the opportunity to work and learn alongside other students, a team leader and mentor.”

Benefits of experiential learning

FSU student-service opportunities provide immense value to the community while also allowing students to gain valuable insights and have formative experiences that go beyond their time at Florida State University.

Experiential learning allows students to apply and strengthen their knowledge and skills through hands-on experiences outside the classroom. Other community engagement opportunities exist through internships, international study, creative activities and coursework.

“We’re grateful to give FSU students these unique opportunities to get outside the classroom, engage with the broader community and deepen their understanding of the issues that affect our region,” said Joe O’Shea, associate provost and dean of Undergraduate Studies. “This is the kind of work that inspires students to become the leaders of their generation and use their talents to make a lasting impact in the world.”

For more information about experiential learning opportunities at FSU, visit studentsuccess.fsu.edu.

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Between the boundless potential and the grim peril of artificial intelligence is an ocean of possibilities so vast that its enormity alone can douse research.  

In a new study, researchers from Florida State University’s Dedman College of Hospitality aim to chart a course for AI research in their field — and beyond. 

Professors Nathan Line and Lydia Hanks and Associate Professor Tarik Dogru served as lead authors of the study published in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research. In a testament to the scale of the topic, Dogru, Line and Hanks enlisted 27 co-authors on the paper.  

Together they say the paper provides a framework to help guide future inquiry into a conversation that has exploded since the release of artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT last November. 

“Everyone has an opinion on how ChatGPT will impact academia, how it will impact research and the tourism and hospitality industry,” Dogru said. “What we noticed is that opinions about ChatGPT and artificial intelligence in general are scattered. There is an ocean of possibilities out there and the conversation wasn’t cohesive or especially productive.”  

To address that challenge, the authors developed a model that demonstrates how the introduction of generative artificial intelligence (GAI), like ChatGPT, impacts the relationship between hospitality and tourism firms and social and industrial stakeholders. In the model, that interaction results in the creation of value or the destruction of value.  

“It wasn’t really about any one relationship; it was about painting a picture of all the possible relationships,” Line said of the model. “I don’t see this as a framework for the hospitality and tourism industry so much as a framework for research.”  

“There’s a lot of excitement about this right now; some of that is really positive and some of it’s as if we’ve turned on the doomsday device.”  

— Nathan Line, Cecil B. Day Distinguished Professor, Dedman College of Hospitality

Dogru added: “We focused on hospitality and tourism, but it applies to other businesses or industries.”  

The model demonstrates how potential benefits of GAI like increased efficiency, boosts in productivity and reduced costs are paired with negative consequences. 

“It’s a feedback loop where we use GAI to solve old problems and, in doing so, we create new ones,” Line said. “Then we use GAI to solve those problems and each time we apply it, the affected stakeholders can be different, but the outcome is the same.”  

For example, the study notes that GAI can parlay a traveler’s history, consumption preferences and social media content into personalized recommendations, customized descriptions of destinations and hotel properties, and even create virtual tours of hotels and attractions. 

“So here it solves problems pertaining to customer communication or promotion, but what problems are created with data privacy?” Line said.  

Organizing the AI conversation starts by drawing a distinction between generative artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT which generates output drawn from existing data and artificial general intelligence (AGI), programs that can learn independently like a human. Barring a bombshell announcement by an intrepid tech firm, AGI remains theoretical only.  

Line joked that it’s easy to mix up the GAI-AGI acronyms, creating yet another hurdle in the quest for clarity and demonstrating how fraught the topic of AI can be.  

“You can see the need for a framework and so it’s our hope that our paper helps in getting us all on the same page as we rethink what we do as researchers,” he said. “There’s a lot of excitement about this right now; some of that is really positive and some of it’s as if we’ve turned on the doomsday device.”  

Line added: “The implications, socially and otherwise are far bigger than hospitality and tourism. Hopefully this provides a roadmap for future inquiry.”

For more information, visit dedman.fsu.edu. 

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