Christina Minihan, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Colorado State University, is combining her background and research in culinary tourism and advertising with an experiential teaching style to provide students with service-learning opportunities.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My southern roots are from Texas where I learned to embrace comfort food and understand the gift of bringing people together through a meal. Then I spent time in the land of green chilies in New Mexico where I acquired my shameless love for spice, and later moved to the beautiful San Juan mountains in Telluride, Colorado in 2004. I haven’t left Colorado since I’m a sucker for the mountains and the amazing playground this state has to offer.
I love CSU! I can’t seem to get enough as a student or an educator. I acquired all three degrees at CSU studying recreation and tourism as an undergraduate student, receiving a Master of Management Practice with an emphasis in marketing and then completing my Ph.D. in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, focusing on culinary tourism.
Outside of academia, I enjoy being creative and innovative through my culinary businesses by serving the community and bringing people together through collaboration opportunities. I am also passionate about eating and drinking my way through the world, playing outside, engaging in any sport, and spending time with my family and sweet pups, Pilgrim and Pilgrim Jr.
What brought you to Food Science and Human Nutrition at CSU?
Being a part of the Food Science and Human Nutrition family was an adventure I couldn’t pass up. The idea of joining the department, helping start a new culinary tourism program and being part of building their program was exciting to me! I really appreciate the collaborative and hands on experiential learning the department fosters and their growth mindset to provide the best learning experiences for their students. It seemed to be a great fit since this is the heart of my teaching.
What are your research and/or teaching interests, and how did you get interested in that topic?
My current research is focused on culinary tourism advertising and commercial service experience applied to both breweries and restaurants. My teaching interests are advertising, culinary tourism, and leadership. Culinary tourism has always been a topic I’m particularly passionate about teaching. I appreciate how this topic provides a lens into another culture through their food and drink experiences. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity to take students to local breweries, restaurants, and other culinary entities so they can work with local business owners and help them with various service-learning projects.
What impact do you hope to have in your role at CSU?
As a professor, I hope to help students discover the best version of themselves by providing them with a platform to dig deep and be introspective. I hope to make a positive difference in the community by offering service-learning outreach projects where my classes work with local businesses. By collaborating with local leaders and business owners within the community, I hope to help my students engage in experiential learning that will help them acquire a job connection in the field or even a new career path.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My recent teaching experience has allowed me to develop my own teaching style as I interacted with students. I enjoy creating an inviting and highly engaging classroom setting by encouraging students to share their unique perspectives and help nurture their self-worth. My teaching approach fosters all learning styles, emphasizing experiential learning by encouraging practical application activities and incorporating community involvement. Lastly, I have a passion for outreach to students while building relationships with them and serving as a mentor to provide guidance and support.
The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
