Hanshika Herath is a dedicated academic and professional in the fields of hospitality and tourism, currently serving as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Canterbury since April 2023 and at Auckland University of Technology since July 2018. As the Chairperson of the Pacific Asia Travel Association AUT Student Chapter, Hanshika leads initiatives promoting responsible tourism in the Asia Pacific region while engaging students and building community partnerships. Pursuing a PhD in hospitality from Auckland University of Technology, Hanshika has also held various teaching roles, including Lecturer in Hospitality and Tourism, while contributing as a community support worker for individuals with intellectual disabilities. With a strong educational background including a Master's in Tourism Economics and Hotel Management from the University of Colombo, Hanshika has extensive experience lecturing at multiple institutions and specializes in areas such as event management, human resource management, and sustainable tourism development.