In addition to her teaching duties, Valerie is the Director of UE´s Ph.D. in Tourism Management program. Her professional experience includes positions in the for-profit, not-for-profit and government sectors in the Canadian tourism industry. Valerie holds a Ph.D. in the Environment from Simon Fraser University, Canada. She also holds a Master of Arts, with Distinction, in Recreation and Leisure Studies, an Honors Bachelor of Tourism Studies, and an Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, all from Brock University, Canada. Her research interests are focused on ethics, sustainability, and resilience in the tourism industry.