Interim Department Head & Associate 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.

Director of the Experience Innovation Lab & 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.

Professor

Dr. Brian Greenwood is an award-winning researcher who specializes in designing positive sport experiences for youth through his work with the San Francisco Giants Community Fund in conducting an annual comprehensive evaluation for flagship program. Through an examination of the viewing experience of the 2023 Women's World Cup utilizing eye-tracking technology and a triangulated multiple methods approach, Dr. Greenwood kicked off exploration that he hopes will eventually lead to support for women's sports at all levels.

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. Jerusha Greenwood is a scholar with expertise in tourism planning and management, wine and agritourism, and sustainability. She has used methods for assessing the environmental and socio-cultural impacts of tourism and has explored strategies for mitigating negative effects while maximizing benefits. Dr. Ru also actively engages with local communities, governmental bodies, and industry stakeholders to implement sustainable tourism initiatives.

Associate Professor

Dr. Keri Schwab is a prominent and multifaceted scholar who has made significant contributions to the fields of youth development, community recreation, outdoor recreation motivations, benefits, and barriers, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Dr. Schwab's work has shed light on the importance of creating inclusive and culturally responsive programs that empower all participants. She has also explored how outdoor recreation policies can impact the user experience.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Pei Zhang has a profound interdisciplinary research background focused on the convergence of hospitality and tourism experience, user experience and design, and technology integration in workplace and consumption experience. Dr. Zhang’s work is particularly underscored by an emphasis on human-technology interaction, human-robot interaction, and the transformation of the workforce through advanced technologies.

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.