This year, the UD Alfred Lerner College welcomed several new faculty members into its community. Iuliana Theis is an assistant professor of hospitality business management; she spoke with Lerner about her research focus and what made her want to teach at University of Delaware.
Lerner: What is your professional and academic background?
Theis: I completed my Ph.D. in hospitality administration at the University of Houston. Prior to that, I worked for various lodging organizations, ranging from large brands such as Hilton and Marriott, to a small startup company called Wanderstay Hospitality Group. My roles have spanned from housekeeper and guest service associate to operations coordinator and lodging consultant.
Lerner: What is your research focus?
Theis: My broad research interests are in organizational behavior (OB) with an emphasis on employee stress coping and industry perceptions, service interactions, and DEI issues.
Lerner: What inspired you to work in your field/research/subject area?
Theis: My time working in lodging operations gave me a deep appreciation for how challenging and demanding the hospitality industry can be. Every day, we rely on hospitality employees for transportation, lodging, dining, events, entertainment, and other services, and it’s hard to imagine a world without these things. However, working in hospitality can be very intensive, and the industry has one of the highest rates of burnout and employee turnover. This inspired me to pursue research regarding the hospitality workplace and how we can improve not only customer outcomes, but working conditions and experiences for employees.
Lerner: What is it about UD that made you want to work/teach/research here?
Theis: I was impressed by the academic environment here at UD. From my first day visiting the campus I felt welcomed and supported yet also encouraged to strive further in my research. This was naturally complemented by the impressive quality of the researchers here at the Lerner College, as well as the many opportunities that UD offers to its faculty.
Lerner: What course are you most excited to teach at Lerner?
Theis: I am excited to teach HOSP 380: Management of Lodging Operations, because this course allows me to bring my industry experience into the classroom!
Lerner: What is something unique about you that may surprise your peers/students? (hobby, talent, experience etc.)
Theis: I am enthusiastic about language learning and etymology! I currently speak three languages and I am studying several more.