Ajay Aluri, an associate professor at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics and founding director of the Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab, has been recognized as one of the 2026 IHI Global 100 Most Influential Educators in Hospitality and Tourism by the International Hospitality Institute.
The annual global recognition honors educators whose teaching, research, leadership, and industry engagement have made a significant impact on hospitality education worldwide.
Aluri’s research and industry collaborations focus on the intersection of hospitality, artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies.
Through the Nemacolin HIT Lab, he advances human-centered AI research, creates experiential learning opportunities for WVU students, and strengthens partnerships between academia and industry.
The recognition reflects the University’s growing leadership in hospitality innovation and its commitment to advancing globally impactful research and education.