Dr Yana Wengel

I am a researcher who takes a human geography lens on social sustainability, international development and research methodologies in the field of tourism. My interests include volunteer tourism, creative methodologies, mountain tourism and tourism in protected areas. My PhD research aimed to examine the social construction of the host-guest experiences in the WWOOF programme. During my PhD research, I investigated the social dynamics involved in host-guest experiences within the WWOOF program. I am also certified as a facilitator in LEGO® Serious Play® and a Ketso practitioner. With a background in both research and consulting, I have previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher on the Dark Tourism project at Leeds Beckett University. Additionally, I served as a pro-bono visiting professor through the Luxembourg Aid and Development Agency in Myanmar, where I worked at Mandalar University and provided guidance to the MYA/001 project team on enhancing human resources in Myanmar's hospitality and tourism sector. 

As an educator, I prioritize utilizing creativity and diverse techniques to make my lectures engaging and productive, ensuring active participation from all students. I employ constructivist methods in the classroom, and I incorporate LEGO Serious Play as a valuable tool for learning. Communication is a key aspect of my work, and I am fluent in four languages - Russian, German, English, and Spanish. Moreover, I aspire to learn Mandarin or Arabic in the future. I am not only attentive to what is being said but also to the unsaid, as it often reveals the most intriguing insights.

If you are interested in collaborating or have any inquiries, please feel free to contact me.