Rollins Research Group Presents Economic Impact Study
Alongside business professors Serina Haddad and John Shideler, Victoria Amon ’25, Katherine Kim ’25, Anna Stock ’27, and Zubair Zabir ’26 recently presented their collaborative economic impact study on the Central Florida Zoo.
December 02, 2025
The collaborative project with the Central Florida Zoo—co-funded by the zoo and Rollins’ Social Impact Hub—began in fall 2023. With two students graduating along the way, the team is wrapping up the work this semester.
The four students worked as research assistants: economics major Victoria Amon ’25, now a compliance business analyst with StoneX; international business major and Fulbright recipient Katherine Kim ’25, now a strategic alliance specialist with Education for Sharing; international business major Anna Stock ’27; and computer science major Zubair Zabir ’26.
The study involved meeting with the zoo’s executive team, designing a visitor survey, and recruiting volunteers to collect data on-site. In addition, the team analyzed internal operational and financial data to assess the zoo’s overall economic contribution and used the Regional Input-Output Modeling System (RIMS II). The project culminated in a comprehensive 100-plus-page report summarizing the zoo’s economic impact to support its efforts in pursuing external funding and governmental grants.
During summer 2025, Stock and Amon had the opportunity to travel with Haddad and Shideler to Ireland, where they presented the research at the Business & Economics Society International (B&ESI) Conference in Galway. The presentation was well received, and the group was invited to submit an article for peer-reviewed publication.
In October 2025, Zabir presented the research at the Southeastern Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (SEINFORMS) Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
- Categories:
- Highlights |
- Business Management |
- International Business |
- Alumni News |
- Faculty
Recent Stories
December 19, 2025
Magic Makers
Every ride, show, and spark of wonder at Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld begins with a great idea, and often, a Rollins graduate. From engineers and marketers to product developers and producers, our alumni are defining what’s next for the theme-park entertainment industry that fuels Central Florida and delights the world.
December 19, 2025
Bradshaw ’18 ’20MBA ’24DBA Earns Award from PRSA Orlando
Assistant Dean of the Hamilton Holt School Doragnes Bradshaw ’18 ’20MBA ’24DBA earned PRSA Orlando’s President’s Award for Distinguished Service.
December 19, 2025
What I’ve Learned: Gaileon Thompson ’01 ’03MBA
How Gaileon Thompson ’01 ’03MBA built a leadership career in finance—starting with a second chance at Rollins.