Dr. Bendegul Okumus has an undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Home Economics, Master’s and PhD degrees in Food Hygiene and Technology, and a second Master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. She worked as a nutritionist for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County and also in the hospitality industry, focusing on food preparation, service, and event management.
Her primary teaching areas include Nutrition Concepts and Issues in Food Services, International Cuisine and Culture, Sanitation in the Food Service Industry, and Health and Wellness in Hospitality and Tourism. Her research focuses on food safety, eating behavior, food and culinary tourism, sustainability, food waste, health, wellness, and well-being in hospitality and tourism.
Dr. Okumus has worked in multidisciplinary research teams and secured and completed research contracts. She has also authored or co-authored numerous academic journal articles, conference presentations, books, and book chapters. Her recent publications and citations can be seen at Google Scholar.
Dr. Okumus is a Senior Advisory Board Member for the Association of Global Educators (AGE) and the Central Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. She is also an associate editor and guest editor for various scientific journals on business, tourism, and hospitality. In addition to her editorial work, Dr. Okumus focuses on health and wellness certification programs and employee initiatives.