Bendegul Okumus

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 for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County WIC program, which is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children. She also has work experience in the hospitality industry, particularly in food preparation, food services, and event management areas.
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 and eating habits, food and culinary tourism, food waste, and health & and wellness in hospitality and tourism.
Dr. Okumus has worked in multidisciplinary research teams, and secured and completed research grants. She has authored/co-authored numerous academic journal articles, conference presentations, book and book chapters. A list of her recent publications and citations can be seen at Google Scholar.