Yash R
- Research Program Mentor
MBA candidate at Cornell University
Expertise
Finance, Hospitality, Real Estate, General Management, Operations, Technology, Sales, Photography, Music, Sports
Bio
I’m a first-year MBA student at Cornell University with a focus on real estate and hospitality finance. My academic interests lie at the intersection of investment, operations, and strategy, particularly in the context of hospitality businesses. Growing up in a family that owned and operated motels, I developed a passion for understanding how to scale and optimize real estate-driven enterprises. I’m excited by the opportunity to apply finance and business theory to real-world hospitality challenges. Outside the classroom, I’m an avid photographer and music enthusiast. I enjoy capturing live music events and travel experiences through my lens, often blending storytelling with visual composition. I’m also passionate about fitness, actively playing golf and tennis. Whether I’m at a concert or at the links, I’m drawn to experiences that spark connection and creativity.Project ideas
Telling a Story Through Photos — A Visual Journal of Everyday Life
In this project, students will use photography to tell a story about a theme or part of their daily life—like friendship, school, food, nature, or their neighborhood. The goal is to help them think like visual storytellers and understand how photos can express emotion, narrative, and point of view. They’ll start by choosing a theme that matters to them, then take 5–10 photos over the course of a week that capture moments, objects, or people that represent that theme. Along the way, they’ll think about composition, lighting, and what makes each photo meaningful. The final product can be a digital photo essay (slideshow or PDF), printed collage, or even a short video slideshow with captions. This project builds creativity, observation, and reflection skills—and helps students see their everyday world in a new light.
How Small Hotels Compete with Major Brands — A Case Study in Hospitality Strategy
This project explores how independent or boutique hotels differentiate themselves from major hotel brands like Marriott or Hilton. The student will learn foundational skills in market research, competitive analysis, and strategic positioning within the hospitality industry. We’ll also explore key business concepts like customer segmentation, pricing strategies, and brand identity. The student will gather information through a mix of online research, interviews (if possible), review of hotel websites and marketing materials, and public business filings. They will also explore local hospitality trends through platforms like STR, TripAdvisor, and Airbnb to understand competitive positioning. The outcome will be a written case study (or slide deck) that analyzes one independent hotel or motel of their choice. The deliverable will outline how that property attracts guests, competes with larger chains, and maintains financial viability—supported by visuals and data where appropriate. This project builds both business acumen and research confidence.