Dr Solbi Lee,Youngsan University,South Korea
Dr. Solbi Lee is an Assistant Professor at the College of Hotel and Tourism Management, Youngsan University, Busan Campus. With a Ph.D. in Hospitality Management from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, an MBA from Columbia University, and a B.S. from Cornell University, Dr. Lee’s expertise spans various facets of hospitality. Her current research explores transformative tourism experiences and the impact of technology on guest services. Dr. Lee’s work is published in leading journals, highlighting her contribution to advancing hospitality knowledge. Her role involves teaching courses in front office operations, resort development, and e-business strategy.
Publication Profile
scopus
Strengths for the Award
- Academic Credentials and Experience:
- Dr. Lee holds a Ph.D. in Hospitality Management from the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at UNLV, indicating a strong foundation in the field.
- With an MBA from Columbia University and a B.S. in Hospitality Administration from Cornell University, Dr. Lee’s diverse academic background enhances their research capabilities.
- Relevant Research Contributions:
- Dr. Lee’s research focuses on transformative tourism experiences, self-service technology in hotels, and the emotional aspects of the check-in experience. This is particularly relevant to the hospitality and tourism industry, aligning well with current trends and challenges.
- The recent publications in reputable journals such as the International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration and the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management reflect an ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.
- Innovative Research Topics:
- The topics covered in Dr. Lee’s research, such as the impact of self-service technology and the emotional role in check-in experiences, demonstrate an innovative approach to understanding and improving hospitality practices.
- Current Position and Influence:
- As an Assistant Professor at Youngsan University, Dr. Lee is in a position to influence and mentor the next generation of hospitality professionals and researchers.
Areas for Improvement
- Broader Research Scope:
- While the current research is strong and relevant, expanding the scope to include more diverse topics or interdisciplinary approaches could enhance the impact and applicability of Dr. Lee’s work.
- Increased Research Output:
- Although Dr. Lee has published notable papers, a higher volume of publications or contributions to high-impact journals could further strengthen their research profile.
- Grant Funding and Collaborative Projects:
- Engaging in more funded research projects or collaborative studies with industry partners could provide additional resources and broaden the scope of research activities.
Education
Dr. Solbi Lee earned her Ph.D. in Hospitality Management from the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada Las Vegas in December 2022, achieving a GPA of 3.85/4.00. Her dissertation, “Transformative Tourism Experience: Openness to Thriving,” was supervised by Dr. James A. Busser. She holds an MBA in Business Administration from Columbia University (2017) with a GMAT score of 710 and a B.S. in Hospitality Administration from Cornell University (2012).
Experience
Dr. Lee has been an Assistant Professor at Youngsan University’s College of Hotel and Tourism Management since September 2023. She teaches courses such as Front Office Operations, Resort Development, and Revenue Management. Before her current role, Dr. Lee gained significant experience during her Ph.D. studies, contributing to research and publishing in high-impact journals. Her background combines practical insights from industry experience with academic rigor, enabling her to provide valuable learning experiences for her students.
Research Focus
Dr. Solbi Lee’s research centers on transformative tourism experiences and the evolving role of technology in hospitality. Her recent studies investigate self-service hotel check-in systems and their implications for the in-person guest experience, emotional factors in check-in processes, and loyalty program impacts. By exploring these areas, Dr. Lee aims to enhance understanding of guest interactions and optimize service strategies in the hospitality industry.
Publications
- Lee, S., Shulga, L. V., Busser, J. A., & Hwang, J. (2024). Self-Service Hotel Check-In: Is There Still a Role for the In-Person Experience? International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, 1-28. 📖
- Hwang, J., Lee, S., Busser, J. A., & Shulga, L. V. (2024). Check‐in Significance: Differentiating Loyalty Reward Members and Non‐Members. International Journal of Tourism Research, 26(4), e2688. 🔍
- Busser, J.A., Molintas, H.R.D., Shulga, L.V., & Lee, S. (2022). Check-in Experience: What is the Role of Emotions and Satisfaction? Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 54, 188-197. 📊
Conclusion
Dr. Solbi Lee appears to be a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award due to their solid academic background, relevant and innovative research contributions, and current role as an Assistant Professor. To further enhance their suitability, Dr. Lee could consider broadening their research scope, increasing their publication volume, and seeking additional funding or collaborative opportunities. Overall, their current achievements suggest a promising career trajectory in hospitality research and a significant potential for future contributions to the field.