The University of South Florida has long welcomed scholars from across the globe for research, teaching, and intercultural exchange. This year, USF Word—in collaboration with the Office of Graduate Studies and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs— hosted its second annual International Visiting Scholar Research Showcase on March 26, 2025, at the Marshall Student Center on the Tampa campus. Building on the success of its inaugural event, this year’s showcase highlighted groundbreaking research from visiting academics and fostered interdisciplinary connections and collaboration among USF’s graduate students, faculty, and international guests.
The event coincided with the 17th Annual Graduate Student Research Symposium, which featured work from USF’s graduate students. Together, these platforms created a dynamic exchange of ideas, with topics spanning artificial intelligence, biomedical innovation, tourism ethics, and consumer behavior. International scholars also served as judges for graduate student presentations, and, in turn, had their presentations judged by USF Faculty members.
This year had approximately twice the number of participants as the inaugural showcase. From the participants, the judges with winners selected for their innovation and impact:
First place
Dr. Seden Dogan, a visiting assistant professor of instruction in USF’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, made history by securing first place for the second consecutive year. Her winning project, “Ethics, Uniqueness, and Consumer Mindsets: Exploring Hologram Circus as an Emerging Touristic Attraction,” builds on her 2024 research on human-robot collaboration in hospitality, solidifying her expertise in ethical technology integration in tourism. Dogan’s work investigates the ethical implications and consumer perceptions of hologram-based entertainment, offering insights into balancing technological advancement with cultural preservation.
Second Place
Dr. Nyabisi Mengo secured second place with “AI Influencers vs Human Influencers: Redefining Digital Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategies in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” a study comparing the efficacy of AI-driven and human influencers, providing actionable strategies for marketers.
Dr. Seden Dogan wins first place for project: “Ethics, Uniqueness, and Consumer Mindsets: Exploring Hologram Circus as an Emerging Touristic Attraction”
Dr. Nyabisi Mengo wins second place for project: “AI Influencers vs Human Influencers: Redefining Digital Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategies in the Age of Artificial Intelligence"
Third Place
Two projects shared third place:
- Dr. Pavani Peddi’s “Surgical Management of Gastroparesis: An Algorithmic Approach,” which proposes a standardized framework for treating chronic digestive disorders.
Dr. Diego Soto Rubio’s “Complication Profile of Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF): Navigating the Risks of a Minimally Invasive Approach,” a study aimed at improving spinal surgery safety protocols.
Dr. Pavani Peddi wins third for project “Surgical Management of Gastroparesis: An Algorithmic Approach"
Dr. Diego Soto Rubio wins third for project “Complication Profile of Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF): Navigating the Risks of a Minimally Invasive Approach”
Dr. Brandon McLeod, Campus Director of USF World, highlighted the event’s role in advancing USF’s commitment to global scholarship, noting that visiting scholars bring expertise and diverse perspectives that enrich the academic community.
The Visiting Scholar’s research presentations from the event are now accessible through USF’s Digital Commons Archive, ensuring global visibility for the scholars’ work. The digital repository, hosted by USF Libraries, allows researchers worldwide to explore findings from both the in-person symposium and asynchronous submissions.