HELPING THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY THRIVE
At UCF’s Sunshine Education and Research Center, we’re at the forefront of occupational health, safety, and wellness in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Our Targeted Research Training (TRT) Program focuses on enhancing workplace quality of life through interdisciplinary research, education, and partnerships.
Our Mission
The Sunshine Education and Research Center is committed to transforming workplace quality of life within the hospitality and tourism industries. Through innovative, transdisciplinary education, research, and collaborative industry partnerships, we work to promote health, safety, and wellness across diverse work environments. Our mission is to create healthier, safer workplaces by addressing the unique challenges of hospitality and tourism workers, equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to lead safer, more supportive workspaces.
This program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), grant number T42OH008438, funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
About the TRT Program
Who We Are
The TRT team includes faculty and students from UCF, USF, Embry-Riddle, and the University of Puerto Rico. We also work closely with leading hospitality employers across Central Florida. Together, we focus on advancing health and safety practices within the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Where We Work
Our research is focused in Florida and Puerto Rico, regions with a significant number of hospitality and tourism workers. These locations provide a rich environment to study occupational risks and develop interventions that enhance health and safety across diverse and dynamic work settings.
What We Do
Funded by a NIOSH grant under the CDC, the TRT program conducts targeted research, education, and outreach activities. Our primary goal is to train the next generation of professionals to address unique workplace health and safety challenges in the hospitality industry, especially among underserved worker populations.
Why It Matters
NIOSH identifies hospitality/tourism workers as at-risk due to unique demands such as seasonal employment, exposure to hazards, and a workforce with a high number of young and immigrant employees. These factors create an urgent need for dedicated research and support aimed at protecting this vital workforce.
Research and Publications
Explore the cutting-edge research and impactful publications from our TRT Program, where we tackle critical issues in hospitality health and safety. Our work spans topics such as job insecurity, resilience after natural disasters, and health impacts during COVID-19. Discover recent studies and insights that drive positive change in the industry.
Events
From symposiums to workshops, the TRT Program hosts events that connect hospitality professionals, faculty, and students. Our gatherings foster dialogue, share solutions, and spotlight key topics in workplace health and safety. Access recordings and highlights from past events, webinars, and workshops.
Our People
Meet the dedicated faculty and students behind the TRT Program. Our team brings together diverse expertise and a shared commitment to improving workplace health and safety in hospitality. Learn more about the professionals advancing this vital research.
Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board brings together representatives from hospitality, government, and academia, offering valuable guidance to TRT’s research initiatives. These leaders ensure our work addresses real-world challenges faced by hospitality professionals today.
Our Upcoming Events
March 27, 2025; 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM EDT
Spring 2025 Workshop: TRT Technology Symposium
This event will bring together experts, researchers, and industry professionals to explore the impact of technology on the hospitality industry and to discuss best practices for integrating the worker-customer-technology into operations. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in insightful discussions, network with leaders, and discover strategies for fostering a healthier, more productive workforce with technology. To register for the event, please refer to the following flyer!
Location: Disney Dining Room at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS
