The 四虎影视 has long welcomed scholars from across the globe for research, teaching, and intercultural exchange. This year, 四虎影视 Word鈥攊n collaboration with the Office of Graduate Studies and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs鈥� hosted its second annual International Visiting Scholar Research Showcase on March 26, 2025, at the Marshall Student Center on the Tampa campus. Building on the success of its inaugural event, this year鈥檚 showcase highlighted groundbreaking research from visiting academics and fostered interdisciplinary connections and collaboration among 四虎影视鈥檚 graduate students, faculty, and international guests.
The event coincided with the 17th Annual Graduate Student Research Symposium, which featured work from 四虎影视鈥檚 graduate students. Together, these platforms created a dynamic exchange of ideas, with topics spanning artificial intelligence, biomedical innovation, tourism ethics, and consumer behavior. International scholars also served as judges for graduate student presentations, and, in turn, had their presentations judged by 四虎影视 Faculty members.
This year had approximately twice the number of participants as the inaugural showcase. From the participants, the judges with winners selected for their innovation and impact:
First place
Dr. Seden Dogan, a visiting assistant professor of instruction in 四虎影视鈥檚 School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, made history by securing first place for the second consecutive year. Her winning project, 鈥淓thics, Uniqueness, and Consumer Mindsets: Exploring Hologram Circus as an Emerging Touristic Attraction,鈥� builds on her 2024 research on human-robot collaboration in hospitality, solidifying her expertise in ethical technology integration in tourism. Dogan鈥檚 work investigates the ethical implications and consumer perceptions of hologram-based entertainment, offering insights into balancing technological advancement with cultural preservation.
Second Place
secured second place with 鈥淎I Influencers vs Human Influencers: Redefining Digital Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategies in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,鈥� a study comparing the efficacy of AI-driven and human influencers, providing actionable strategies for marketers.
Dr. Seden Dogan wins first place for project: 鈥淓thics, Uniqueness, and Consumer Mindsets: Exploring Hologram Circus as an Emerging Touristic Attraction鈥�
Dr. Nyabisi Mengo wins second place for project: 鈥淎I Influencers vs Human Influencers: Redefining Digital Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategies in the Age of Artificial Intelligence"
Third Place
Two projects shared third place:
- 鈥淪urgical Management of Gastroparesis: An Algorithmic Approach,鈥� which proposes a standardized framework for treating chronic digestive disorders.
鈥淐omplication Profile of Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF): Navigating the Risks of a Minimally Invasive Approach,鈥� a study aimed at improving spinal surgery safety protocols.
Dr. Pavani Peddi wins third for project 鈥淪urgical Management of Gastroparesis: An Algorithmic Approach"
Dr. Diego Soto Rubio wins third for project 鈥淐omplication Profile of Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF): Navigating the Risks of a Minimally Invasive Approach鈥�
, Campus Director of 四虎影视 World, highlighted the event鈥檚 role in advancing 四虎影视鈥檚 commitment to global scholarship, noting that visiting scholars bring expertise and diverse perspectives that enrich the academic community.
The Visiting Scholar鈥檚 research presentations from the event are now accessible through , ensuring global visibility for the scholars鈥� work. The digital repository, hosted by 四虎影视 Libraries, allows researchers worldwide to explore findings from both the in-person symposium and asynchronous submissions.