Daniel Connell
Senior Lecturer in Aviation | Programmes Leader for Aviation, Hospitality & Tourism Undergraduate Courses | Professional Statutory & Regulatory Body Lead for Aviation & Tourism
Summary
As a Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, Dan teaches across aviation, tourism, and hospitality programmes and manages the undergraduate degree courses in these fields. In his role as the Lead for Professional, Statutory, and Regulatory Body (PSRB) matters, Dan ensures that the university's aviation and tourism undergraduate and postgraduate degree portfolios meet the highest standards of academic quality and professional accreditation requirements.
About
Daniel Connell brings over 20 years of experience in the aviation, tourism, and hotel industries, complemented by a teaching career in higher and further education since 2009. Before joining Sheffield Hallam in 2023, Dan managed aviation, hospitality, tourism, and events related degree programmes at various educational institutions. He has been instrumental in overseeing the validation of degree portfolios, ensuring that courses, modules, and content remain relevant and aligned with the evolving needs of the dynamic tourism, hospitality, events, and aviation industries. This approach equips students with real-world skills, enhancing their ability to excel in industry placements and career opportunities.
Teaching Philosophy and Academic Background
Dan is passionate about integrating current technologies into his teaching, regularly employing industry-standard simulations, live projects, and industry visits within his modules and assessments. His academic background includes an undergraduate degree in Tourism Management and postgraduate degrees in Human Factors in Aviation and Aeronautical Engineering. Dan's teaching experience spans across the UK and internationally, including South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Industry Roles and Collaborations
Prior to his academic career, Dan held various management and staff training roles in the aviation, tourism, and hotel sectors. His experience includes Airline Emergency Procedures Training, Airline Crew Resource Management, Airport Ground Handling, Airline Reservations, Commercial Partnerships, Airline and Airport Crew Recruitment, Destination Management, and Hotel Front Office Management. Dan has collaborated with numerous universities, international airlines, airports, aviation ground handling companies, and destination management organisations. Notable collaborations include work with Saudi Arabian Airlines, Emirates, Sri Lankan Airlines, Gulf Air, Air France, Scot Airways, Flybe, Swissport, and airports such as Edinburgh, Dundee, Birmingham, Dubai, and Colombo. He has also worked with organisations like Galadari Hotels Limited, Visit Scotland, Egyptian Tourism Federation, Saudi Tourism Authority, Dubai Expo 2020, American University of Sharjah, University of Hong Kong, University of Novi Sad, and the British Council.
Research Interests and Community Engagement
In these roles, Dan has served as a leading research and project consultant, visiting lecturer, and external academic, effectively bridging the gap between industry and academia. His current research interests focus on Human Factors and Anthropometrics in Aviation, Sustainability in Tourism Destinations, and Digital Learning in training and education. Additionally, Dan is committed to supporting charitable organisations, including the British and Lebanese Red Cross and the Dogstar Foundation.
Teaching
Department of Service Sector Management
College of Business, Technology and Engineering, Sheffield Business School
Courses Taught
- BSc (Honours) Airline and Airport Management
- BSc (Honours) International Hospitality Business Management
- BSc (Honours) International Hospitality and Tourism Management
- BSc (Honours) International Tourism Management
- BSc (Honours) International Tourism and Hospitality Business Management
- MSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management
- MSc International Tourism Management
- MSc International Tourism and Aviation Management
Research
Research Areas
- Human Factors and Anthropometrics in Aviation
- Sustainability in Tourism Destinations
- Digital Learning in Industry Training and Education