Faculty/Staff
Luana Nanu
Assistant Professor
lnanu@usf.edu
Campus: Sarasota-Manatee
Room: SMC A317
Luana Nanu is an assistant professor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ, where she has been a faculty member since 2022. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves as the M3 Center coordinator, a role that involves collaborating with industry partners to promote research and innovation in hospitality and tourism.
She earned her PhD in Hospitality Management from Auburn University, a master's degree from USF Sarasota-Manatee, and a bachelor's degree from Antalya International University in Turkey. Her diverse educational path, spanning multiple institutions and countries, has given her a global perspective that informs her work. Passionate about shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals, Nanu is committed to advancing hospitality education through innovative teaching and research that addresses real-world industry challenges.
Teaching
Nanu teaches a range of courses at USF, including hospitality operations, technology, and lodging management. Her classes emphasize practical applications, current industry trends, and real-world problem-solving, equipping students with the skills needed for successful careers in hospitality. Drawing on her extensive academic background and professional experiences she creates engaging, student-centered learning environments that encourage critical thinking and hands-on exploration of hospitality concepts.
Research
Her research focuses on hospitality environments and consumer behavior, exploring how the design and atmosphere of physical spaces influence guest experiences. She investigates the effects of elements like natural features and layout on customer satisfaction, perceptions, and decision-making in hospitality settings. Through her research, she aims to provide broadly applicable insights that connect academic study with industry practice, contributing to a deeper understanding of how environments shape the hospitality experience.