Student-Faculty Research Paper on Short-Term Study Abroad Wins Best Paper Award at International Academic Conference
Nora Simondet and Dr. Wooyang Kim of the Paseka School of Business received the Best Conference Paper Award (1st Place in Undergraduate Student Research) at the 2025 Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Conference for Researchers, Educators, Practitioners, and Students (THEREPS)—a leading international conference in the hospitality and tourism discipline—held in New York City on April 11–12.
The student research competition featured participants from top-tier universities, including Arizona State University, Kansas State University, and Iowa State University. The research title is “Exploring Motivators, Challenges, and Institutional Support for Students’ Short-Term Study Abroad Program Engagement.” The study was motivated by “BUS 345: Business in Asia,” a newly developed course designed and led by J.D. Ralf Mehnert-Meland and Dr. Wooyang Kim. Notably, Nora has earned this award for two consecutive years—a remarkable achievement given the competitive field of top-ranked U.S. institutions.
This research project was made possible with the generous support of Dr. Peter Sherman, Dean of the Paseka School of Business. Without Dean Sherman’s encouragement and support, this success would not have been possible. Aligned with the strategic direction of MSUM and PSB, this recognition highlights the Paseka School of Business’s ongoing commitment to high-quality research and student-centered education.