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Portrait of Poerava Hapairai wearing a polka dot shirt

Poerava Brodien Hapairai

Assistant Professor
Faculty of Business & Government, Center for Hospitality & Tourism

Heber J. Grant Building 228

EDUCATION


Purdue University – Supervisor Dr. Jonathon Day
Ph.D. Student in Hospitality and Tourism West Lafayette, Indiana Expected December 2024
Dissertation topic: Towards the development of a sustainable workforce for the tourism industry.

University of Queensland
Masters in Leadership Tourism Brisbane, Australia, December 2015
Thesis: The relationship between ad-induced emotion and risk perception in a tourism context

Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Bachelor of Science, Hospitality and Tourism Management Laie, Hawaii, April 2007

RESEARCH INTEREST


Sustainable workforce development, Perception of risks for at-risk destinations.

PROFESSIONAL/WORK EXPERIENCE


TEACHING RELATED
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Assistant Professor Laie, Hawaii, 2022-Present
Teaching undergraduate courses in tourism in Introduction to Tourism, Destination Management and Event Design and Management
Supervised and mentored undergraduate on research project providing guidance on design and analysis
Engaged in curriculum development and enhancement to improve students learning and engagement

Purdue University
Graduate Research Assistant West Lafayette, Indiana, 2020
Prepared two chapters for the ACPHA
Worked in team with one other graduate student and one professor
Research and contacted different campus entity to complete project

Purdue University
Graduate Teaching Assistant West Lafayette, Indiana, 2019                      
Supervised and organized the work of 4 undergraduate teaching assistants
Created grading rubrics for class assignment
Prepared and taught a lecture for 125 students

CUSTOMER SERVICE RELATED
Michiana Direct Primary Care
Secretary Mishawaka, Indiana, 2016-2017
Welcome patients and check them in
Processed all phone calls and ensure proper workflow of office
Provided suggestions on various health articles for social media

Propay
Customer Service Agent French & Spanish Nephi, Utah, 2014-2015
Ensured proper resolutions of complaints and problems
Dispatched phone calls to proper departments
Provided suggestions on various finance products available

Taha’a Island Resort & Spa
Reservations Manager Punaauia, Tahiti, 2010-2014
Ensured booking of 60 rooms valued at minimum $600 per night
Handled customer complaints
Provided travel suggestions

MacDonald Randolph Hotel
Reservations Agent Oxford, United Kingdom, 2010
Answered phone calls and entered booking details for guests
Filed booking information and sent reminders
Directed calls to appropriate departments

Marama Tours
Welcome Agent Faaa, Tahiti, 2009
Met and greeted guests at the airport
Directed guests to their respective ground transportation location
Handled guests’ late arrival or non-arrival

Four Seasons
Event Coordinator Paris & Bora Bora, 2007-2009
Booked and scheduled incentive groups and weddings on property
Planned detailed events according to customer requests
Teamed up with all departments of the hotel to coordinate event

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Resident Advisor Laie, Hawaii, 2006-2007
Supervised and overviewed 28 students in the university dormitory
Planned activities on a monthly basis
Organized and kept residence supplies up to date

Intercontinental Resort
Front Desk Clerk Internship Tahiti Papeete, Tahiti, 2006
Assisted Spanish speaking guests with hotel information and translation
Checked in and checked out guests on arrival/departure
Upsold rooms to guests once on property

Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Student Auditor Laie, Hawaii, 2003-2004
Audited visas and cell phone bills
Reconciled travel expense accounts
Kept track of account records

HONORS & AWARDS


International Working Experience Scholarship to pursue Bachelor (2001)
Australia's Aid Program - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to pursue Master (2014)

PUBLICATIONS


Brodien Hapairai, P. M., Walters, G., & Li, S. (2018). The effectiveness of ad-induced emotion in reducing tourist risk perceptions towards politically unstable destinations. Tourism Recreation Research, 1-14.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Voluntary Church Teacher  West Lafayette, Indiana, 2019-On-going
Prepare one-hour lesson for youth on gospel doctrine
Create positive and safe class atmosphere
Invite youth in reflective discussion style classes
 
Voluntary Service Representative Salt Lake City, Utah, 2004-2005
Set goals, monitored performance, reported results weekly
Trained and supervise two (2) other service representatives
Taught life skills/values to individuals and small groups of diverse cultures/backgrounds

Brigham Young University of Hawaii
President of Tahitian Club
Student Advisory Council Laie, Hawaii, 2003-2004

SKILLS


Fluent reading, writing and speaking in English, French and Spanish
Proficient in Microsoft Office and common web usage
Committed, dedicated and passionate
Type 55 words per minute
Online Badges: These are the open badges that I completed through class and work at Purdue University

CV Last Update 9 June 2024