Professor, Department Head

Dr. Jerusha Greenwood is a scholar with expertise in tourism management and sustainability. She has applied various methods to assess the environmental and socio-cultural impacts of tourism and has explored strategies to mitigate adverse effects while maximizing benefits for local communities and other stakeholders. Dr. Ru also actively collaborates with local communities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable tourism initiatives.

Professor, Co-Lab Director

Dr. Brian Greenwood is an award-winning researcher whose work focuses on creating positive sport experiences for youth. In partnership with the San Francisco Giants Community Fund, he conducts an annual comprehensive evaluation of the organization’s flagship youth program. Dr. Greenwood has also expanded his research to women’s sports. Using eye-tracking technology and a triangulated, multi-method approach, he examined the viewing experience of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Professor, Co-Lab Director

Dr. Keri Schwab is a distinguished and multifaceted scholar whose research has made significant contributions to youth development, community recreation, outdoor recreation, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Her work examines the motivations, benefits, and barriers associated with recreation participation, with particular attention to creating inclusive and culturally responsive programs that empower diverse participants and enhance their experiences.

Professor

Dr. Marni Goldenberg is a leading researcher in outdoor leadership, adventure education, outcomes and benefits associated with recreation participation and experience design. Dr. Goldenberg has secured multiple research grants, such as the Agricultural Research Institute grant and the USDA McIntire-Stennis grant. Her current research topics include outcomes from outdoor participation and leadership, hiker experiences on the Pacific Crest Trail, and user experiences in gardens and on trails.

Professor

Dr. Kevin Lin’s research interests include facilitating better design, delivery, and evaluation of engaging experiences through the use of data and technology. He has adopted a data-driven, experience-centered approach to identify agency needs and visualize insights generated from data analytics. Dr. Lin’s peer-reviewed publications include explorations into the potential of data analytics to enhance event planning, performance evaluation, and the overall attendee experience.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Sandy Shen is a leading researcher in tourism experience design, destination marketing, and technology applications in tourism and hospitality. Her expertise includes examining consumer behavior using cutting-edge technology, designing memorable and engaging customer experiences, and facilitating sustainable tourism development. Her studies have pioneered the utilization of eye-tracking technology and skin conductance sensors to improve the design of signs and marketing videos.

Associate Professor

Dr. Zhang is a scholar specializing in user experience and design, with a particular focus on the integration of technology into workplace and consumer experiences. Dr. Zhang’s research is distinguished by an emphasis on human-technology interaction, human-robot interaction, and the ways in which advanced technologies are transforming the workforce and reshaping service and consumption experiences.

Adjunct Faculty, Lecturer

Amber Karson has taught undergraduate classes in the Experience Industry Management and Wine & Viticulture departments at Cal Poly. She is the CEO & Founder of Karson Butler Events, a boutique luxury event planning agency creating extraordinary experiences at the intersection of hospitality, celebrations and travel. Amber's areas of expertise include Strategic Event Planning, Hospitality, Meetings & Conventions, Experience Design, Food & Wine Agritourism and International Event Planning.

Lecturer

With over 15 year’s experience in teaching at the university level as well as working in corporate marketing and events, Jenn Prentice brings a blend of academic and industry expertise to her role as lecturer in the Experience Industry Management Department. Jenn has transitioned numerous companies from having a traditional to experiential marketing department as well as planned large-scale events. Currently, she teaches Experiential Marketing and Strategic Event Implementation for the EIM Department.