Dr. Niki Davis

Hi, I'm Niki Davis. I've spent a good part of my career exploring the connections between tourism, education, and food. For over twenty years, I've been at Southern Illinois University, teaching students about the exciting world of hospitality and events. It's been a real joy to see them learn how to blend practical skills with the bigger picture of what tourism can mean.

Outside the classroom, I'm really interested in how food tells stories. Whether it's through sharing recipes on my website, 'Rooted in Foods', or working with local groups to teach cooking, I believe food is a wonderful way to connect with our heritage and understand different cultures. I also enjoy helping people discover the stories behind their food, especially here in Southern Illinois. I'm always happy to chat about the intersection of tourism, food, and culture, and how we can all learn from each other.