New Faculty Bring Innovation and Expertise to Purdue HTM

Two millennial women female friends sitting outdoors eating takeaway food, laughing and having fun. Food delivery and takeout.

Author: Abby Lillpop

The fall 2024 semester at Purdue University’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) marks the arrival of four new faculty members, each bringing unique accomplishments and insights to the program.

Dr. Kevin Kam Fung So

Dr. So is recognized for his groundbreaking research in hospitality and tourism marketing, focusing on future-facing topics like human-AI interactions, technological innovations, and the sharing economy. His extensive work in branding and customer engagement, combined with his expertise in social media marketing, positions him to lead innovative research at Purdue HTM. Dr. So is eager to collaborate with Purdue’s community to elevate the school’s reputation and impact in the hospitality industry further.

Amanda Bies

Amanda Bies, with over 20 years of experience in hotel operations management, offers a deep understanding of organizational psychology and adult learning. Her research centers on helping employees in service industries adapt and thrive, making her a valuable resource for students looking to enter the workforce. She brings academic and practical experience to her courses in hospitality operations and customer relations, aiming to empower students to become influential leaders in the hospitality industry.

Julie Tkach

Julie Tkach’s experience spans over 12 years in food service and nutrition management, with roles in various sectors such as restaurants, hospitals, and higher education. An award-winning educator, she focuses on decision-making in hospitality management, leadership development, and emotional intelligence. Julie’s hands-on, immersive teaching approach promises to give Purdue students a real-world understanding of hospitality management, preparing them for leadership roles.

Julie Abdinoor

Julie Abdinoor brings 30 years of marketing expertise to Purdue HTM, with proficiency across national and international brands. She is at the forefront of research in virtual reality (VR) and its application in promoting social and emotional well-being. Her work integrates VR into the classroom, exploring how immersive technologies can evoke positive emotions and enhance learning experiences. Julie is excited to lead technological initiatives that align with Purdue’s One Health focus, particularly in the Consumer Science program.

Together, these new faculty members enhance the academic and professional development opportunities available at Purdue HTM, further solidifying its standing as a leader in developing experience engineers.