EDUCATION
Purdue University – Supervisor Dr. Jonathon Day
Ph.D. Candidate in Hospitality and Tourism West Lafayette, Indiana Expected December 2025
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
Active Research Areas
Sustainable Workforce Development – Investigating workforce retention, employee engagement, and the impact of sustainability practices on long-term employment in the tourism industry.
Risk Perception in Tourism – Examining how travelers assess risks in at-risk destinations, including media influence, crisis communication, and marketing strategies.
Emerging Research Interests
Tourism Education & Professional Development – Exploring the role of tourism education in workforce preparedness, industry retention, and curriculum innovation.
PROFESSIONAL/WORK EXPERIENCE
TEACHING RELATED
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Assistant Professor Laie, Hawaii, 2022-PresentTeaching 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
PREVIOUS INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
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
ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES ATTENDED
Hawaii Regenerative Tourism Conference – August 8, 2023
Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit – October 16-17, 2023
ITSA (International Tourism Studies Association) – September 17-20, 2024
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA), Member (2024- present)
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
Communication Specialist Laie, Hawaii, 2024-Present
Develop and implement communication strategies
Coordinate with ward leaders and auxiliaries
Enhance member engagement and accessibility
Voluntary Church Teacher West Lafayette, Indiana, 2019-2020
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
CV Last Revised July 24, 2025