Cally Anderson
About Cally
Year: Senior
Major: Tourism and Hospitality Management (Certificate in Leadership)
Hometown: Topeka, KS
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Stacey Smith
Research Recognition: 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar
Learn more about the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award
Describe Your Research
I completed two research project for our tourism & hospitality honor society, Eta Sigma Delta. One project was over the use of AI in Midwest Tourism Marketing. The other was a case study project on the implications of restaurants opening post-pandemic, which focused on local restaurants in Hays.
What was it like sharing your research?
We presented at the 1st Annual Eta Sigma Delta Undergraduate Research Symposium at Florida International University. It was a unique experience because this is the first ever type of research and presentation I have done like this. I really enjoyed how supportive other attendees were of each other. Other schools that joined us also presented on tourism and hospitality research and trends in the industry. It was a great way to form professional connections and learn what else is happening in our industry.
What are your future career goals?
My future goals include graduating next spring with my MBA in a concentration in digital marketing. The research not only prepared me for graduate school but has helped me learn how to be a better writer and researcher. After graduate school, I hope to work in the corporate event industry to use my knowledge of tourism and marketing to help companies in this area.
Why should other students get involved in research?
I recommend that other students should get involved because of the skills that can be gained. My writing skills have been enhanced, and I have also constantly been working on my professional speaking ability in front of groups. By also working in a group project, the skills of collaboration and communication can also be worked on. Ultimately, if you pick a research topic that you are passionate about, seeing all of your hard work come together at the end is a very rewarding feeling.
Her project exemplifies the qualities of a promising young scholar—intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary perspective, methodological rigor, and a passion for discovery.
