Dr. Lena N. Cañet is an accomplished hospitality and tourism educator, academic leader, researcher, and industry practitioner with over two decades of professional experience in higher education, hospitality management, research, extension, and food innovation. She served as an Associate Professor II at Bulacan State University (BulSU) and previously held the position of Regional Center Manager of the Region 3 Food Innovation Center under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) from 2024 to 2026. Her academic career includes serving as Department Head and Internship Coordinator of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at BulSU Hagonoy Campus, Program Head and OJT Coordinator at Cavite State University, and Lecturer and Internship Coordinator at the Canadian Tourism & Hospitality Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management, a Master’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, and a Doctor of Philosophy in International Hospitality Management from the Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila. She has also pursued doctoral studies in Hospitality Management and postdoctoral studies in Strategic Management and Leadership. As a researcher and academic contributor, she has served as Editor of Medicon Open Access and as a reviewer for the International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis and International Journal of Sports Science. Her contributions to research and innovation include having three registered Utility Models and filing seven Industrial Designs with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL), reflecting her commitment to translating research outputs into innovative and potentially valuable intellectual property. Her achievements also include securing 2nd Place in the Crimthon 1 Hack for Justice: Startup Competition organized by the University of the Cordilleras Innovation and Nurturing Space in 2021, demonstrating her engagement in innovation and problem-solving through competitive platforms. Her contributions have been recognized through several distinctions, including the Most Remarkable and Innovative Professional Hospitality Educator and Researcher of the Year (2024), the Outstanding Researcher of the Year (2022), and Bulacan State University’s 2024 Gawad Paghawod awards for excellence in teaching, extension, and research. These accomplishments reflect her commitment to advancing hospitality and tourism education, strengthening research and innovation, promoting intellectual property development, and fostering meaningful community and industry engagement.