As a PhD student exploring the role of immersive technologies in shaping tourism experiences and consumer decision-making, this visit provided an invaluable chance to collaborate with experts in the field, receive feedback on my research, and experience a new academic environment first-hand.
My visit was hosted by Dr Kirk Kristofferson, whose research in consumer behavior and immersive technologies closely aligns with my own. Throughout the month, we held weekly one-on-one meetings to discuss the content and direction of my developing research proposal. Dr Kristofferson generously shared insights from his own projects, challenged some of my assumptions, and encouraged me to think more critically about how immersive experiences are currently being studied in consumer research. By the end of the visit, I had not only reshaped my proposal but also gained a much clearer understanding of where my research fits within the broader academic landscape.
Beyond the research collaboration, my time at Ivey offered a valuable academic exchange. I had the opportunity to meet with several Ivey PhD students, learning about their research projects, the doctoral training system, and the structure of their program. I found it especially interesting to see how doctoral education is organized in North America. Talking with other students helped me reflect on my own PhD experience, and I left feeling more motivated to handle the ups and downs of academic life. Being in a new environment helped me make real progress. Having dedicated time to think through ideas with feedback from someone outside my academic circle was incredibly helpful.
One of the most tangible outcomes of this visit was the development of my research proposal, which will form the foundation for my third PhD paper. Dr Kristofferson’s feedback helped me clarify not only what I want to study but also why it matters and how to best approach it. I returned to Edinburgh with a solid framework for the project and a deeper understanding of the research design.
Outside of research, I also took some time to explore the local area. London is a quiet, green university town, and I really enjoyed the slower pace. On one weekend, I travelled to Toronto and experienced a completely different environment: fast-paced, vibrant, and filled with diverse cultures and neighborhoods. I loved seeing the contrast between the peaceful campus setting in London and the hustle of a big city like Toronto.
This short yet intense visit marked a pivotal moment in my current research path and served as a reminder of the importance of academic exchange. The Visiting Researcher Fund made it possible for me to forge connections across institutions, gain new perspectives on my work, and boost my academic confidence.
I’m grateful to Dr Kristofferson for his mentorship and to Ivey Business School for the warm welcome. I would also like to thank my supervisors and the University of Edinburgh Business School for supporting this opportunity. For any fellow PhD students considering an institutional visit, I wholeheartedly encourage you to apply—you never know how much one month can change the course of your research.