Founded to reach the moon, we’re already on our way to the next frontier. Built for liftoff, America’s Space University celebrates Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ Space Week Nov. 3-7.

Where Global Leaders Unite to Boldly Forge the Future of Space

As Florida’s Premier University for Engineering, Technology and Innovation, Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ continues to lead the way in preparing students for the industries of tomorrow — including those that reach beyond Earth.

Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ students are participating in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (Mission 21), a national competition that provides students with the opportunity to design experiments for launch to the International Space Station. The initiative is co-directed by Phil Metzger ’00MS ’05PhD, planetary scientist and director of Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝â€™s participation in the program, and Amy Gregory ’11±Ęłó¶Ů, associate professor and Faculty Fellow for Space Tourism at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

“We’ve been encouraging students to think beyond science and engineering,” Metzger says. “Working with Rosen College helps make this a true Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ collaboration — one that shows space can connect to every discipline.”

Each campus brings a unique perspective to the challenge. On the main campus, students are developing experiments ranging from “space laundry” — testing whether clothes can be cleaned in zero gravity — to studying crystal and yeast growth in microgravity. At Rosen College, students are exploring how food and beverage preparation can adapt to long-duration space travel, experimenting with tofu coagulation, texture and preservation techniques to help define what future astronauts — and eventually space tourists — might eat in orbit.

“Up to this point, space research has focused on getting there,” Gregory says. “Our students are asking what comes next — what happens when people live and work in space? Food is at the heart of that conversation because it’s nourishment, medicine and community all in one.”

Rosen’s efforts are also being integrated into the classroom through a new food and beverage in space module within the Techniques of Food Preparation course led by Chef César Rivera Cruzado, allowing hospitality students to connect research with coursework while learning how their field intersects with science, technology and human experience beyond Earth.

“This is an area that’s growing fast,” Rivera-Cruzado says. “Space tourism is coming in less than 10 years — maybe even five — and every sector will have an opportunity to contribute. For us, that means learning what food and hospitality look like off the planet.”

Rosen College has also connected with space industry figures, including engineers, astronauts and chefs, such as José Andrés — as well as representatives from Blue Origin and Axiom Space — to explore future opportunities in space hospitality and culinary equipment development.

Together, these initiatives highlight how Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝â€™s collaborative spirit continues to propel discovery — preparing students to help define what hospitality, comfort and daily life might look like as they reach for the stars.

“Very few people receive a personal letter from the president of the General Assembly to speak at the U.N., and I am honored to be one of them,” Croes says.

Over the past 20 years, Rosen College has grown significantly in its research prowess, establishing itself as a global leader in hospitality and tourism studies. This growth is evident in the college’s extensive contributions to research, international collaborations and its impact on global tourism policy. Rosen College’s reputation is further bolstered by its magazine, the Rosen Research Review, which Croes is the editor of and reaches over 150 countries and has more than 1 million readers across these nations.

“This global recognition of Rosen College is a testament to the collective knowledge and research prowess we have developed,” Croes says.

Advancing Global Sustainability Through Tourism

The U.N. event included a fireside chat about the future of tourism. During the conversation, Croes discussed the intricate relationship between tourism, sustainability and the U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. He emphasized that the event was one of the first times in decades that the U.N. has focused so intensely on tourism, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 has increased poverty and highlighted healthcare inequalities, particularly in developing countries,” he says. “Addressing these issues in the context of sustainability and the SDGs is crucial.”

During this year’s National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrated May 19-25, Croes’ insights resonate even more. This annual celebration, established in 1983, underscores travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities and enriching lives. This year’s theme highlights how travel and tourism are vital to our nation’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.

During the presentation, Croes further emphasized how thoughtful tourism and sustainability management can improve lives.

“For me, it was particularly emotional because I had the opportunity to stand on the podium where heads of state speak and share our research about the future of global tourism, the role of sustainability and well-being, how these two mesh, and how tourism can be a critical vehicle to help people move up the ladder and improve their lives.”

Croes shared an interesting example from the Netherlands.

“If the Dutch had only considered environmental sustainability in the 1950s, significant parts of the country would be underwater today,” he says. “Their creativity in building dikes reclaimed land and pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.”

He emphasized that focusing too narrowly on environmental concerns can limit human ingenuity and solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

“We should nurture creativity and provide opportunities for innovative solutions that benefit everyone,” he says.

Croes also stressed that residents of tourist destinations should decide how tourism affects them.

“It’s not for scholars to dictate; we can outline principles, but the people should decide what’s best for their well-being,” he says.

This democratic approach, he argued, is crucial for fostering creativity and ensuring tourism benefits everyone.

From Diplomacy to Academia

Croes’ recent presentation at the U.N. isn’t his first visit to the General Assembly. In the early ’80s he visited the U.N. General Assembly when he was working as a junior diplomat in the foreign affairs department of the Netherlands Antilles. He sat in the Dutch Kingdom delegation, listening to heads of state discuss global challenges and requests for international support.

“It was a formative moment of my career,” Croes says.

After starting his career in diplomacy, Croes transitioned into academia, where he has become a leading voice in tourism economics and management. His expertise spans tourism economics, human development, poverty alleviation and tourism management, particularly in small and developing economies. Croes has made significant contributions to the field, authoring six books, including Small Island and Small Destination Tourism and A Modern Guide to Tourism Economics, and publishing over 100 works. Notably, he co-authored a report with other Rosen College faculty that was presented at the U.N.’s Ocean Conference in 2022. Croes also leads the Infectious Disease and Travel Health Project at Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝, funded by a $4.5 million university grant.

At Rosen College, Croes is a strong advocate for integrating broader perspectives into tourism education. He believes future leaders should focus not only on profit but also on creating opportunities for individuals and communities.

“Our research should help nurture creativity and provide opportunities for others, ensuring a holistic view of resources beyond just material wealth,” he says.

Croes envisions a program that includes experiences from non-government organizations, corporations, politicians and religious leaders, preparing students to lead with a comprehensive understanding of their impact on society.

“A leader’s decisions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting families, communities and even national economies,” he says. “It’s not about small administrative details; it’s about making an impact on society. We need to focus on what’s relevant, impactful and useful.”

As National Travel and Tourism Week comes to a close, Croes’ journey from diplomat to advocate serves as a timely reminder of tourism’s potential to drive positive change.

Reflecting on Rosen College’s role in global discussions, Croes concluded, “The collective knowledge at Rosen College stands as a beacon on the global stage. Our commitment to research and education in tourism not only drives academic excellence but also contributes significantly to international policy and community well-being.”

Croes’ insights offer a compelling vision for the future of tourism, one that resonates far beyond the walls of the U.N.

Supporting Space Missions – Bryce Frase, U.S. Army

Bryce Frase can remember the exact moment he got the call from NASA.

Walking across campus in the spring of 2019 his mind was on his calculus exam when the phone rang.

Then came the news he had been selected for the Pathways Program, which provides students with the opportunity to explore federal careers while being paid for the work being performed. His assignment: Assist with the design and build of electrical equipment at the Kennedy Space Center’s Advanced Concepts Lab.

“I had to stop, sit down and cry for a little bit,” Frase says.

For the last two-and-half-years, Bryce has been working full-time as an electrical engineer while being a full-time student at Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ and a KSC Pathways intern. NASA’s highly selective Pathways Program has employed 47 Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ interns at KSC over the last five years.

The opportunity marked a turning point for the young Army veteran, who had dreamed of a career in space exploration ever since his grandmother surprised him with a telescope in elementary school. “It was the greatest thing in the world to see the moon, and the seas and craters,” recalls Frase.

But after high school, Frase wasn’t ready to follow his dreams of a career in outer space. The World Trade Center attacks had left a lasting impact on him as a child, and he knew his course would be to serve his country first.

He joined the U.S. Army in 2014, serving two years active duty and then four years in the reserves. A military police and correctional officer, he was deployed abroad for 14 months leading a team who handled high value detainees for U.S. government as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Starting as a student at Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝, Frase tapped the Veterans Academic Resource Center for support, receiving guidance on how to use the GI Bill and its benefits and spending hours at the center studying and doing homework.

Today, in his role at NASA, Frase supports  the 3D Printing Center at KSC, aiding many space missions, including NASA’s Space Launch System, by printing and testing new parts and tools for the mission.

This month, he’ll receive an aerospace engineering degree at Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝. His courses have helped him become more proficient at his job, says Frase, who after graduation plans to stay on with NASA and continue his career in the space industry.

Developing Data for Decision-makers – Margarita Figueroa, U.S. Air Force

Margarita Figueroa finds herself in a new country every eight months. And that’s exactly what she signed up for when she joined the U.S. Air Force three years ago.

Figueroa selected Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ Online in part because of the university’s reputation for serving veterans, and in part because she wanted a degree in anthropology and she found Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ to be one of few schools to offer the program exclusively through remote learning.

The degree appealed to her desire to help with cross-cultural coordination.

“If we have ambassadors who have better understanding of one another’s cultures we’ll have better understanding between the U.S. and other countries,” says Figueroa.

The ability to learn remotely was a necessity for Figueroa. As an active-duty intelligence analyst who compiles critical information about mission logistics for commanding officers, her work schedule can be unpredictable, and her days can be long — sometimes up to 15 hours. Attaining her education meant she needed the ability to take classes despite the time zone or continent of her deployment.

Figueroa is grateful that her professors were flexible and she easily connected with classmates through video conferences and discussion boards.

“Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ has been that dream school that has enabled me to do so much. Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ worked with me and my schedule and allowed me to do three or four classes at a time,” she says. “It gave me the strength to keep going.”

During most of her time at Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝, Figueroa was stationed in England at the Royal Air Force Lakenheath. Military duties took her on regular flights to Europe. During her final fall semester she was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. She won’t walk at graduation; she’ll be deployed then to a training assignment at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas.

The first in her family to attend college, graduation marks the opening of many more doors for Figueroa, who plans to spend her career with the Air Force. With a bachelor’s degree she can now apply for officer school and pilot school, two options she’s considering, along with the possibility of returning to Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ Online for a master’s degree.

“I did something that no one thought I could do,” she says. “I’m doing things I didn’t even think I was able to do.”

Safeguarding the Fleet – Craig Plummer, U.S. Navy

Craig Plummer’s grandfather served in the U.S. Army and was taken prisoner in World War II during the Battle of the Bulge. His two older brothers served in the U.S. Navy and the third was in the U.S. Air Force.

“I felt I owed some sort of service to country and to show my grandfather [he could do it],” says Plummer. “My grandfather was very proud that all four of us siblings had gone into the service. I could see the twinkle in his eyes when we would visit him in uniform.”

Growing up in a small town in Ohio, Plummer wasn’t destined to take a traditional educational path. He found himself struggling in school and dropped out at 16. Two years later, he followed the family tradition by enlisting in the Navy. He would later take his GED to attain his high school diploma.

Plummer’s military service would span more than two decades, with most of it providing technical and maintenance support to the aircraft carriers that became his home away from home. During his early years, he serviced the ship’s boilers. Later, he advanced to aviation electrician where he specialized in testing, troubleshooting and repairing aircraft gauges.

In 2014, Plummer was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, news that would change the course of his life. Despite the toll of undergoing chemotherapy, Plummer was determined to meet both his academic and professional goals. During the next two years, he finished his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Columbia College of Missouri, taking most of his classes on the base. During the same time, he completed his final years of military service, retiring after 25 years at the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer, the second highest enlisted rank.

In 2016, Plummer and his wife moved to Florida where he took a job with Disney working in the internet help desk and call center. He knew he wanted to continue his career in the hospitality industry, and after learning about the programs offered nearby through , he applied.

He enrolled in the spring of 2020, just months before the pandemic hit. Even with the shift to distance learning and as a non-traditional student at Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝, Plummer has felt closely connected to the university.

“I was always made to feel part of the family and included at Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝,” he says.

Like Frase, Plummer tapped the assistance of the VARC each semester to help him secure the benefits of the GI Bill. He also followed a veterans peer group, Veterans Knights, and was able to meet other student veterans in his classes.

Commencement will be special moment for Plummer. He’ll be receiving a master’s in hospitality and tourism management. He’ll be taking stock in the completion of a successful military career. He will be celebrating his victories in the battle against his cancer. And, this time — for what will be the first time —  he’ll be walking across the graduation stage.

“The increasingly complex business environment the travel and tourism industry is facing requires an interdisciplinary approach to produce professionals who not only have a strong technology foundation but also understand the business context in which the technology is applied.”
— Youcheng Wang

The proliferation of new and emerging technologies that make traveling more convenient and efficient, such as ride-sharing mobile apps and third-party booking services, is fueling the industry’s demand for high-tech workers.

The master’s degree program — the first of its kind in the nation — will be offered by Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝â€™s College of Engineering and Computer Science and Rosen College of Hospitality Management, which is ranked No. 4 in the world for hospitality education by CEOWorld magazine. The degree was approved by the Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ Board of Trustees and the Florida Board of Governors last year.

“This innovative program is the result of strong collaboration between our two colleges, and illustrates how Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ continually strives to create opportunity beyond traditional academic boundaries,” says Michael Georgiopoulos, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“The increasingly complex business environment the travel and tourism industry is facing requires an interdisciplinary approach to produce professionals who not only have a strong technology foundation but also understand the business context in which the technology is applied,” says Youcheng Wang, dean of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management. “Such a partnership program between the two colleges is definitely the right answer to the industry call.”

Orlando, where Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ is located, is the No. 1 travel destination in the United States and provides an ideal learning environment for technology professionals who may want to apply their skills in the travel industry.

The program has been designed by a team of Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ faculty led by Alan Fyall, associate dean of academic affairs, Visit Orlando Endowed Chair of Tourism and a professor of hospitality. Fyall is an expert in global travel industry workforce trends.

“There is no better place than Orlando to get hands-on experience in the travel industry,” Fyall says. “Students in this degree program can work for airlines, hotels, resorts, travel companies, entertainment companies, theme parks — the opportunities are endless here.”

The travel technology and analytics master’s degree will appeal to technology professionals who may be working in other industries, according to Ali Gordon, associate dean for Graduate Affairs in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“Many of our computer science and information technology graduates are recruited by large-scale technology companies, and therefore may not initially consider the travel industry when they make early-career moves,” Gordon says. “This new degree gives these professionals another exciting career choice.”

Also on the faculty team is Naveen Eluru, associate professor of civil engineering. Eluru is an expert in transportation engineering and technology and heads the Transportation Econometric Modeling Group at Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝. He will teach one of the core analytics courses in the program.

Eluru notes that while the COVID-19 global pandemic has disproportionately affected the travel and tourism industry, this time can present an opportunity for professionals to broaden their skills and engage in the industry’s resurgence.

“The revival of the travel and tourism industry will lay increased emphasis on the application of technology and analytics in the future,” says Eluru. “With the rapid emergence of new technologies, the opportunity for career growth in travel technology and analytics is huge, as the role of smart infrastructure expands in tourism and hospitality sectors along with burgeoning smart transportation systems across cities.”

Eluru is also on the faculty team that designed and oversees Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝â€™s master’s degree in smart cities program — another first-of-its-kind program in the nation — that began last fall.

The 30-hour master’s degree program in travel technology and analytics is offered partially or fully online. In-person classes are scheduled to be held at both the Rosen College campus near International Drive and Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝â€™s main campus in east Orlando.

The coursework follows an appropriate mix of required core courses and elective options. The core courses will cover concepts in travel technology, hospitality management and travel analytics, providing STEM students with a solid foundation in the travel and tourism industry. The program also includes a capstone course to provide students with hands-on tourism industry experience.

Core courses include Smart Travel and Tourism, International Tourism and Management, Service System Quality Engineering, Discrete Choice Modeling in Transportation, Algorithms and Models for Smart Cities, and a capstone course.

The deadline to apply for the program is July 1, 2020.

During the six-month immersive program, students will live and work at Walt Disney World and take courses at Rosen College, situated in the heart of Orlando’s tourism corridor. They will work at Disney four days each week (up to 37.5 hours) and attend the following courses at Rosen College on Fridays: Guest Service Management, Culture and Cuisine, and Destination Marketing. In addition, they will have two days off every week to sight-see and enjoy everything Orlando has to offer. At the end of their program, the students will receive a certificate during a special graduation ceremony and luncheon.

For more information about the Disney Undergraduate Program, please click here.

In partnership with , Rosen College offers an intensive six-month Undergraduate Certificate Program in Hospitality & Tourism Management for international students who are currently enrolled in hospitality, tourism or business related programs in Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝â€™s international partnership universities (IPU). Students take academic courses at Rosen College and participate in an academic internship through the Disney International College Program at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Students gain experience working with a globally recognized hospitality brand while earning a certificate from a top hospitality institution. They also earn 12 credit hours toward graduation at their home institution: 9 from course work and 3 from successfully completing the academic internship.

Courses include:

Rosen College is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2015 cohort. The deadline is Sept. 26, 2014.

For more information about the Disney Undergraduate Program in Hospitality & Tourism Management, please click here or contact Dr. Youcheng Wang at +1 407.903.8039 or Youcheng.Wang@ucf.edu.