UW Students Present Research at National Hospitality Symposium

Students from the University of Wyoming's Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management Program and the hospitality business management minor presented research at the 2026 International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education Eta Sigma Delta Undergraduate Research Symposium Feb. 26-27 at Boston University.

UW students Kara Waskowiak, of Gothenburg, Neb.; Elisabeth Ressler, of Armagh, Pa.; Grace Dahill, of Cheyenne; Skylar Edmund, of Harrison, Neb.; and Savannah Avey, of Gail, Texas, joined more than 100 undergraduate researchers representing 20 universities from across the United States.

The symposium is organized by Eta Sigma Delta, the international honor society for hospitality and tourism students, of which UW is a member. The annual event brings together top undergraduate scholars to present research and exchange ideas on emerging issues in the hospitality and tourism industries.

The UW students presented research examining the legacy and impact of the Pulte Humanitarian Hotel Model, a purpose-driven hospitality approach in which hotel operations generate revenue that is directly reinvested into charitable initiatives. Their presentation also explored how participation in the Pulte Gateway to Hospitality Innovation Challenge influenced their academic and professional development and opened new opportunities within the hospitality industry.

The research project was mentored by Sara Ghezzi, an assistant professor of practice in the UW Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources' Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management Program and the College of Business's hospitality business management minor.

"Watching our students present their work among top undergraduate researchers from across the country was incredibly rewarding," Ghezzi says. "Opportunities like this help them see how their ideas and research can contribute to the future of the hospitality industry."

Participation in the symposium provided the students with an opportunity to present their work on a national stage; engage with peers and faculty from leading hospitality programs; and gain professional research experience. Funding for the trip was provided by the Jay Kemmerer WORTH (Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality) Institute. While in Boston, students also met with hospitality leaders and toured the Canopy Boston Downtown and the Pennyweight Hotel Boston, Curio Collection by Hilton, gaining additional insights into contemporary hotel operations and innovation.