Professorship International Hospitality Education

Dr Hanneke Assen has over three decades of expertise in education grounded in social constructivist concepts. She holds a Master’s in Learning and Innovation and a PhD from Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Her doctoral research focused on the transition from a teacher- to a learner-oriented approach to teaching and learning, with a particular emphasis on the educators’ collective learning processes. Subsequently, she conducted postdoctoral research on “Activators for change: Moving to Design-Based Education.” She is a member of the Teachers2Learn project (including more than 20 universities in the Netherlands).

One of the outcomes of her postdoctoral research is the professional learning initiative “Design-Based Learning Study” for educators. This initiative advocates for an evidence-informed and iterative approach, where educators design didactic strategies based on the principles of Design-Based Education (DBE). Moreover, she has designed the DBE team model.

From 2020 to 2022, she led the project group on Design-Based Hospitality Education. Since 2022, she has served as an associate professor in Hospitality Education at Hotel Management School Leeuwarden. In 2025, Hanneke was officially appointed as Lector, marking an important step in her leadership within hospitality education research. Her research focuses on the fundamental principles guiding hospitality education to promote future-oriented and lifelong learning. She emphasizes the lasting impact of educational experiences from a trialogical perspective, considering the perspectives of learners, educators, and industry.

Key components of her research include boundary crossing and the creation of a community of learners, which encourages dialogue and shared narratives among stakeholders in hospitality education, research, and industry.

Her statement: “Research in Hospitality Education should serve as a catalyst to foster meaningful learning between theory and practice”.

Publications

• Assen, H. & Van Diggelen, M. (2024). Model toont belang samenwerking in teams Design-Based Ecudation. Science Guide, 24 maart 2024, derived via ‘Model toont belang samenwerking in teams bij Design-Based Education’ – ScienceGuide
• Stevens, T. M., Day, I. N. Z., Den Brok, P. J., Prins, F. J., Assen, J. H. E., Ter Beek, M., Bombaerts, G., Coppoolse, R., Creemers, P. H. M., Engbers, R., Hulsen, M., Kamp, R. J. A., Koksma, J. J., Mittendorff, K., Riezebos, J., Van der Rijst, R. M., Van de Wiel, M. W. J., & Vermunt, J. D. (2023). Teacher professional learning and development in the context of educational innovations in higher education: A typology of practices. Higher Education Research and Development, 43(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2023.2246412
• Assen, J. H. E., Benhadda, L., Losekoot, E., Van Diggelen, M. (2023) Design thinking in hospitality education: Lessons learned and future opportunities. Journal of hospitality, sport and tourism education, 32, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2023.100439.
• Assen, H., Van Felius, N., De Vries, S., & Van Katwijk, L. (2023). Het optimaal benutten van externe kennis in Design Based Learning Study. Optimally leveraging external knowledge in Design Based Learning Study. Didactiek voor Vak en Beroep. [Optimally leveraging external knowledge in Design Based Learning Study. Pedagogy for Profession and Vocation] , Lectoraat Didactiek voor Vak en Beroep NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
• Assen. J. H. E. & Otting, H. (2022). Teachers’ collective learning: to what extent do facilitators stimulate the use of social, personal and theory sources for learning? Teaching and Teacher Education, 114, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103702.
• Assen, J. H. E. (2022). Activators for Change: Moving to Design Based Education. Internal document NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
• Assen, J.H.E. & Otting, H. (2021), Lecturers’ perceptions of collective learning: A collective move to Desgin Based Education. In: Coelen, R., Assen, J. H. E. Donker, A., & Geitz, G. Stepping into DBE. NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
• Coelen, R., Assen, J. H. E. Donker, A., & Geitz, G. (2021) Stepping into DBE. NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
• Assen, H., de Boer, M.R. & Fernandes, M. B (2021). Moving to design-based education in hotel management school: proof of success and beyond — a research journey. Research in Hospitality Management, 11(2), 145-15o. https://doi.org/10.1080/22243534.2021.1917754
• Assen, J. H. E., Meijers, F., Zwaal, W., & Poell, R.F. Collective Learning (2019), Teacher Beliefs and Teaching behaviour in Management and Social Educational programmes. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 72(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2019.1578817
• Assen, J. H. E., Koops, H., Meijers, F., Otting, H., & Poell, R.F. (2018). How can dialogue support teachers’ professional development? Harmonising multiple teachers’ I-positions. Teaching and Teacher Education, 73, 130-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TATE.2018.03.019
• Assen, J. H. E (2018). From a teacher-oriented to a learner-oriented approach to teaching: The role of collective learning processes. Eburon
• Assen, J. H. E., Meijers, F., Otting. H., & Poell, R. F. (2016). Explaining discrepancies between teacher beliefs and teacher interventions in a problem-based learning environment: A mixed method study. Teaching and Teacher Education, 60, 12-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2016.07.022
• Assen, J. H. E., Meijers, F., Otting, H., & Poell, R.F. (2016). Teacher interventions in a problem-based hospitality programme. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 19, 30-40.
• Assen, J. H. E., & Zwaal, W. (2013). The evaluation of career-oriented dialogues in a social constructivist learning environment. Research in Hospitality Management, 3(1), 51-57.

Georges El Hajal is an expert in the people profession and researcher at the Hotel Management School Leeuwarden, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. Born and raised in Lebanon, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the Lebanese University, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and a master’s in International Service Management from London Metropolitan University and NHL Stenden. He is working towards a Ph.D. at the University of Groningen, Faculty of Spatial Sciences. 

As a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (Chartered MCIPD), Georges leverages this designation to underscore his extensive experience and expertise in HR and L&D practice, showcasing a steadfast commitment to excellence. With a rich background in HRM spanning various countries, including Lebanon, Qatar, the UAE, the Netherlands, and Iraq, coupled with diverse experiences in the humanitarian field with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) across Switzerland, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Mauritania, and the Philippines, Georges offers a unique and broad perspective on the people profession. He is also a member of The Institute of Hospitality (MIH) and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential holder from the International Coach Federation (ICF), demonstrating a high professional coaching practice standard.

At NHL Stenden, Georges is a student coach and HRM lecturer at the undergraduate and graduate levels, blending real-world experience with academic insights. He is also a part of the Academy of International Hospitality Research and the International Hospitality Education research group and is deeply involved in academic research. Georges is also on the bachelor programme’s curriculum committee, bringing valuable research insights to support the curriculum redesign, ensuring an alignment with the evolving needs of the hospitality industry.

His Ph.D. focuses on the future of hospitality jobs, developing strategies for attracting, engaging, and retaining talent in the hospitality industry. His research aims to create a conceptual model and a regionally adapted framework for talent management strategies and theorise a support approach for the hospitality industry to prepare for future jobs and equip the current workforce with the skills required for tomorrow. Georges is also actively engaged in the RIF Project GastvrijFriesland, a collaborative effort to strengthen the hospitality sector in the Dutch province of Friesland. His involvement aligns closely with his Ph.D. research focused on developing a talent attraction and retention strategy tailored to the hospitality industry in the province of Friesland.

Georges has a passion for the people profession rooted in the belief that by investing in people and creating supportive, inclusive workplaces, organisations can achieve success while also contributing to broader societal well-being. In his work, George aims to advance knowledge in hospitality HRM, inform policy and practice, empower future professionals, promote innovation, and drive positive change within the industry.

Macmillion Braz Fernandes is a lecturer-researcher at the Hotel Management School Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. Born in Goa, India, he holds a master’s degree in psychology and is certified as a performance and competence developer.

With hands-on experience in the international hospitality industry in India, Middle East and Indonesia, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role. Adept in Design Based Education, he presently lectures, supports student’s final thesis and is the coordinator for a ten-week minor study focused on Hostmanship. His current research areas include collaboration among learning professionals, dynamics of the learning environment, the pivotal role and influence of Human Resources-people practices in diverse and multinational organisations, Hostmanship and Ethics.

Mandy (Xiaomin) Wen serves as a facilitator, expert, coach, and supervisor within the realms of internship guidance and consultancy projects at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. Originating from China, she has dedicated the last fifteen years to her academic and professional pursuits in the Netherlands, particularly at NHL Stenden. She holds an MA in International Service Management from London Metropolitan University and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences and has further refined her expertise in intercultural communication.

Wen has consistently emphasised the significance of cultural awareness and understanding, integrating these principles into her teaching and professional practices. Her recent inclusion in the DBE research group marks a continuation of her efforts to explore the interplay between Research everyday educational practice.

Wen’s role at NHL Stenden encompasses a variety of responsibilities. She mentors students through their internships, offering them guidance to navigate diverse and challenging environments effectively. Additionally, she supervises consultancy projects, applying academic theories to practical scenarios, thereby enriching the students’ learning experience with real-world insights. As chairperson of the curriculum committee for Hotel Management School Leeuwarden (HMSL), Wen has significantly contributed to aligning educational programmes with academic standards.

Wen’s research interests include intercultural communication and its influence on lifelong learning, curriculum development, and the practical application of teaching methods. Lately, her interest has extended to the integration and potential of AI to support and innovate traditional teaching methodologies and curriculum design for more effective outcomes.

Marte Rinck de Boer obtained a master’s degree (cum laude) in German Studies from the University of Groningen and a PhD from the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht. 

Her expertise lies in educational innovation and constructivist critical pedagogy. In her doctoral research, Marte Rinck used interdisciplinary approaches integrating the sociology of knowledge by Karl Mannheim and anthropological methodology by Tim Ingold to identify and critically examine the role of ideological and utopian thinking in educational innovations.

Building upon her research, she contributes to the conceptualisation and development of constructivist hospitality education in a design-based curriculum. Furthermore, her research revolves around understanding the perceptions and experiences of students in constructivist education and the fruitfulness of anthropology for learning. In her pedagogical and research activities she combines her love for literature, art, pedagogy and qualitative research to learn with and from the world.

Currently, she is a faculty member of the Master of International Hospitality and Service Management at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences and co-coordinates the research programme. She is a member of the editorial advisory board of the Journal Research in Hospitality Management. Moreover, Marte Rinck held the position of NHL Stenden confidential counsellor for research integrity until January 2024.

Dr Rodney Westerlaken, M.A., M.Si., M.Ed., is a versatile professional with a passion for driving positive change across various domains. With a rich background encompassing philanthropy, activism, research, lecturing, and disaster management expertise, he brings a holistic approach to his research.

Currently serving as a lecturer at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, his commitment to education and academia extends to his role as the Editor in Chief of the Research in Hospitality Management journal, where he leads the charge in advancing scholarly discourse within the field.

Having earned his PhD in Cultural Studies from Universitas Udayana in 2020, Dr Westerlaken has conducted impactful research focused on cultural modification concerning children placed in child welfare institutions in Denpasar. This work underscores his dedication to addressing complex societal issues and advocating for vulnerable populations.

Beyond academia, Dr Westerlaken is the founder of the Westerlaken Foundation and serves as a Patron at Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy and community development.

His academic journey includes acquiring master’s degrees in humanities, environmental studies, and education, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to learning and problem-solving.

Dr Westerlaken’s research contributions span a diverse range of topics, from hospitality volunteer engagement and consumer behaviour to the impact of tourism on local communities and environmental sustainability. Notable publications include studies on volunteer engagement in residential care facilities, the ethical implications of wildlife tourism, and the relationship between sustainability initiatives and employee motivation in the hospitality industry.

With a keen focus on social responsibility and ethical practices, Dr Westerlaken continues to make significant strides in his academic pursuits, leveraging his expertise to effect positive change and inspire future generations. Currently, Dr Westerlaken is involved in a research project in volunteerism in hospitality, together with Breda University of Applied Science (BUas).

Laura Velten is an educator and researcher specializing in hospitality education.

With 6 years of experience in academia, she currently serves as a faculty member at the Hotel Management School Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. She holds an MA and MSc in International Hospitality and Service Management from Stenden University of Applied Sciences and Derby University. She focuses on innovative teaching methods, particularly design-based learning, to enhance student engagement and learning with a special interest for personal and professional development.