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Joshua Aston

Adjunct Faculty

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Accomplished legal professional with extensive experience in leadership and academia. Proven track record of enhancing academic excellence, fostering diversity, and driving strategic initiatives. Successfully promoted collaborative learning environments and facilitated research activities. Adept at mentoring students and guiding research endeavours, resulting in high-impact contributions. Strong communicator with a history of representing institutions at prestigious boards and international partnerships. Demonstrated leadership in overseeing operations and fostering growth within educational and armed forces settings.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

PhD in Law | Symbiosis International University, Pune, India // 2011 – 2014
Diploma in Cyber Laws | Asian School of Cyber Laws, Pune, India // 2010
Legal Secretarial Diploma | Souters Legal Training Centre, London, UK // 2007
Master of Laws in International Criminal Law | Sussex Law School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK // 2006 – 2007
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (First Class, University Rank – 5) | University of Pune, India // 2003 – 2006
Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management| SIBM, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India // 2002 – 2004
Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Political Science (First Class) | University of Pune, India // 2000 – 2003
Standard Mental Health First Aider accredited by Mental Health First Aid Australia

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Board Member | Joondalup Business Association, Western Australia (Australia)
Board of Governor | Department of Law, AIMSR, Acropolis Group of Institutions, (India)
Member | Council of Australian Law Deans (Australia)
Member | Law Associate Dean Research Network (Australia)
Member | Law Society of Western Australia (Australia)
Member | Navy League of Western Australia
Member | Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa (India)
Fellow | Asian Law Institute, National University of Singapore (Singapore)
Complete list available on request

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

  • Academic Leadership
  • Curriculum Development
  • Research Facilitation
  • Student Mentorship
  • Strategic Initiatives
  • International Relations
  • Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
  • Curriculum Design
  • Academic Policy Formulation
  • Event Coordination
  • Student Engagement
  • Placements Management
  • Legal Education
  • Program Development
  • Educational Administration
  • Ceremonial Parades
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Media Relations
  • Right to Information
  • Quality Assurance
  • Leadership Development
  • Student Welfare
  • Liaison with Armed Forces
  • Organisational Oversight

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Leadership: Spearheading initiatives to elevate the law discipline's reputation and prominence, ensuring alignment with contemporary legal education standards.
• Academic Collaboration: Collaborating with school executives to design and implement policies that cultivate an inclusive learning environment, fostering respect and integrity.
• Cutting-Edge Research: Encouraging faculty participation in pioneering research, leveraging emerging legal trends and interdisciplinary collaborations to address complex societal issues.
• Mentorship & Pedagogy: Guiding undergraduate and post graduate students in Human Rights Law studies, employing innovative teaching methods to foster critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
• Effective Representation: Advocating for academic excellence and student welfare on the Academic Board, ensuring robust communication of law discipline's interests.
• Placement Management: Orchestrating successful student placements by forging strong industry relationships and organising career-centric events.
• International Engagements: Nurturing international partnerships, facilitating MoUs with esteemed foreign institutions and directing faculty and student exchange programs.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Associate Dean of Discipline Law | School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University // September 2018 - Present
• Lead strategic initiatives to enhance the reputation and visibility of the law discipline, ensuring it remains at the forefront of legal education and practice in the region.
• Chair of the University Students Appeal Committee which is the last avenue of appeal regarding academic matters for a student within the university.
• Collaborate with the School Executive to develop and implement policies, programs, and resources that foster an inclusive and diverse learning environment, promoting a culture of respect and integrity among students and staff.
• Contribute to cutting-edge research activities within the School, encouraging faculty members to explore emerging legal trends, and facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations to address complex societal challenges.
• Mentor and guide undergraduate students in their Human Rights Law studies, employing innovative teaching methods to cultivate critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
• Supervise PhD and LLM students, guided their research endeavors and dissertation work towards producing high-quality and impactful contributions to the field of law.
• Represent the School at the Academic Board, as a proxy member ensuring that the interests are effectively communicated and advocating for academic excellence and student welfare university wide.

Assistant Professor of Law & Officer on Special Duty to the Director (Vice Chancellor) | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) // December 2013 – September 2018

• Delivered engaging and comprehensive lectures on Law of Contract to a diverse cohort of approximately 180 undergraduate students and 35 MBA students, fostering a deep understanding of contractual principles and their real-world applications.
• Instructed and guided LLM students in the intricate nuances of Humanitarian Law, cultivating critical perspectives and ethical considerations in armed conflict scenarios within a class size of around 30 students.
• Provided adept supervision and mentorship to PhD and LLM students, guided their research endeavours and dissertation work towards producing high-quality and impactful contributions to the field of law.
• Exercised adept leadership and oversight in the administration of the Office of the Director (Vice Chancellor), orchestrated the implementation of the university's strategic and governance priorities, managed official correspondence with government bodies and public agencies, and expertly handled media-related activities and Right to Information queries.
• Fostered dynamic International Relations and external collaborations, facilitated the establishment of MoUs with prestigious foreign universities and organisations, oversaw Faculty and Student Exchange programs, and orchestrated enlightening Ambassador Lecture Series.
• Assumed the role of the Fulbright Representative, diligently managed various Fulbright Programmes at GNLU, thereby enhancing academic opportunities and international exposure for students and faculty alike.
• Demonstrated a keen eye for detail and an innovative approach in crafting GNLU's official publications, including the Prospectus, Annual Report, and Vice Chancellor's Report for the Executive Council meeting, showcasing the university's achievements and future aspirations.

Deputy Director and Assistant Professor of Law | Symbiosis Law School, Symbiosis International University // June 2010 – September 2012

• Acted as the Officiating Director of Symbiosis Law School, Pune, assuming leadership responsibilities and ensuring the smooth functioning of the institution during various occasions as required.
• Facilitated and oversaw the successful placement of students by serving as the Placement Coordinator at Symbiosis Law School, fostering strong relationships with legal recruiters and organising career-oriented events and workshops.
• Contributed expertise and insights as an Invitee to the Board of Studies, Faculty of Law, Symbiosis International University, Pune, actively participated in curriculum development and academic policy formulation.
• Led and guided the Student Council at Symbiosis Law School, Pune, provided mentorship and encouraged student engagement in various co-curricular and extracurricular activities to enhance the overall university experience.
• Played a pivotal role as the IQAC Coordinator, oversaw the Internal Quality Assurance Cell activities at Symbiosis Law School, Pune, to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to academic standards and best practices.

Commanding Officer | Sea Cadet Corps, Pune Unit // 2000 – 2022

• Attained the rank of Lt Commander in 2013, showcasing dedication and leadership within the Sea Cadet Corps.
• Took on the overall responsibility for the effective functioning of the Pune Unit, overseeing training, activities, and events that contributed to the holistic development of cadets.
• Organised and executed Ceremonial Parades, creating memorable and impactful events that instilled discipline and camaraderie among the cadets. Successfully maintained effective communication and collaboration with various Armed Forces establishments.
• Demonstrated effective leadership and communication skills by serving as a liaison between the Pune Unit and the higher echelons of the Armed Forces, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment of goals.
• Functioned as a key intermediary between the Pune Unit and the Commodore Superintendent of the Sea Cadet Corps, providing valuable insights, updates, and reports that contributed to the overall growth and success of the organisation.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Innovative Thinker: Known for introducing inventive teaching methods and research approaches, fostering an environment of continuous learning and exploration.
• Effective Communicator: Skilfully convey complex concepts both in academic settings and external collaborations, ensuring clear understanding and meaningful engagement.
• Results-Oriented Leader: Demonstrates strong leadership qualities by achieving academic and organisational goals, aligning efforts towards success.
• Detail-Oriented Manager: Successfully oversee multifaceted projects, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in administrative and educational functions.
• Collaborative Facilitator: Proven ability to foster cross-functional teamwork, driving collective efforts towards strategic objectives and delivering impactful outcomes.

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS (Past 5 years)

• Aston, J., Anthony Das, C. (2023). Tipping the Scales: Balancing Mental Health and Wellbeing at Law Schools in Australia. Brief, Law Society of Western Australia.
• Wen, J., Hu, F., Aston, J. (2023). Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome and pet tourism. Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights, 4(2), 100109. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annale.2023.100109.
• Hu, F., Wen, J., Phau, I., Ying, T., Aston, J., Wang, W. (2023). The role of tourism in healthy aging: An interdisciplinary literature review and conceptual model. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management. 56, 356-366 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2023.07.013.
• Barnes, J., Naser, M., Aston, J. (2023). A vulnerability approach to irregular migration and modern slavery in Australia. Australian Journal of Human Rights, 29(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/1323238X.2023.2229619
• Aston, J., Wen, J. (2022). Tourists’ perceptions of and reactions to child sex tourism: An exploratory qualitative investigation. Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics.
• Aston, J., Wen, J., Goh, E., Maurer, O. (2021). Promoting awareness of sex trafficking in tourism and hospitality. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCTHR-01-2020-0032.
• Wen, J., Klarin, A., Goh, E., Aston, J. (2020). A systematic review of the sex trafficking-related literature: Lessons for tourism and hospitality research. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 45(December 2020), 370- 376. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2020.06.001.
• Wen, J., Aston, J., Liu, X., Ying, T. (2020). Effects of misleading media coverage on public health crisis: A case of the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak in China. Anatolia: an international journal of tourism and hospitality research, 31(2), 331-336. https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2020.1730621.
• Yu, C., Wen, J., Goh, E., Aston, J., (2019), “Please help me die”: applying self-determination theory to understand suicide travel. Anotolia, n/a(n/a), 1-5, DOI: 10.1080/13032917.2019.1642923.

BOOKS

• Wen, J., Kozak, M., Aston, J., Wang, W. (ed) (2024). ‘Interdisciplinary Tourism Research: An Intellectual Feast”. Routledge (in press).
• Aston, J., Tomer, A., Singh R. (ed) (2024). “Comparative Law - Unravelling Global Legal Systems”. Springer. (in press)
• Aston, J., Tomer, A., Mathew, J. (ed) (2023). “Comparative Approaches in Law and Policy”. Springer.
• Tomer, A., Aurora, V., Aston, J. (ed) (2022). “Comparative Law: Its Facets, Nuances and Intricacies”. Thomson Reuters.
• Aston, J. (2020). Torture Behind Bars – Role of Police Force in India, Oxford University Press.
• Aston J. (2019). Higher Studies in Law, Lucknow, Eastern Book Company.
• Aston, J. (2018). Acing Internships. New Delhi. Eastern Book Company.
• Aston, J. (2017). Contract Law for Managers. Vol I and II. Lucknow, Eastern Book Company.
• Aston, J. (2017). MCQ’s on Contract Law. Vol I and II. Lucknow, Eastern Book Company.
• Aston, J. (2016). Trafficking of Women and Children: Article 7 of the Rome Statute. 1st edition, Oxford University Press
• Aston, J. (ed.) (2016). Identifying and Comparing the Trends in International Contract Laws and Probing the Critical Issues for Multinational Contracting Parties. New Delhi. Eastern Book Company.
• Aston, J. (ed.) (2015). International Contracts, Jurisdictional Issues, and the Global Commercial and Investment Governance (A Collection of Essays on Recent Trends). Gandhinagar. Gujarat National Law University.
• Aston, J. (2012). Restructuring the Indian Police System: Need for Accountability & Efficiency. Germany. Lambert Academic Publishers.

BOOK CHAPTERS

• Barnes, J., Aston, J., Naser, M. & Afroz, T. (2024). Human Rights after 75 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Reflections from the Global South. Brill Nijhoff.
• Aston, J. & Das, C. (2024). Orphaned by Fate or Design: Navigating the Human Rights Dilemma. Springer. (in press)
• Das, C & Aston, J. (2024). Child-sex tourism a convoluted legal web – the case of Indo-China. Routledge. (in press)
• Agarwal, P. & Aston, J. (2024) 'The protection of AI-generated work by patent and copyright laws: Present laws and potential reforms. Recreating Creativity, Reinventing Inventiveness: AI Enabled Works and Intellectual Property. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003260127-13
• Anthony Das, C. & Aston, J. (2023). Tainted Chocolate? A systemic review of the cocoa industry in Ghana and Brazil. Comparative Approaches in Law and Policy”. Springer.
• Aston, J., Anthony Das, C. (2022). “To censor or not to censor” – Is it a legal or social conundrum? The Indian Yearbook of Law and Interdisciplinary Studies: Pluralistic Discourse. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003150565.
• Aston, J. (2016). Violence against Women and Gender Justice: A Human Rights Perspective. Women Violence and Law: An Intimate Interrogation Open Distance Paradigm. Calcutta, Netaji Subhash Open University.
• Aston, J. (2016). Policing in India, Politicisation of the Indian Police System and Safeguarding the Human Rights. Terrorism, Its Legal Framework and Beyond. New Delhi, Manakin Press.

GRANTS

• Research Project on Investigating Awareness of and the Affective, Cognitive and Behavioural Responses to Sexual Harassment Legislation Among FIFO Mining Workers. The MARS Digging Deeper Research Fund, 2023. $40000.
• Research Project on 'Prevention of Domestic Violence against Migrant Women in Australia: A Review of Policy Responses and Practice. Thomas More Law School, Australian Catholic University, 2022. $500.
• Research Project on ‘Irregular migration and modern slavery in Australia: legal and policy challenges and responses’ Society and Culture Research Theme – Small Grants Scheme 2021. $4973.
• Law & Policy, Cyber Security Research Centre Ltd, Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, 2019 2021, $362,057.

REPORTS

• Aston, J., Anthony Das, C. (2023). Inquiry into the rights of women and children. Parliament of Australia. Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade – Human Rights Subcommittee.
https://doi.org/file:///D:/jaston/Downloads/Parliamentary%20Inquiry%20_Final%20Submission%20(2).pdf.

FELLOWSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, HONOURS AND AWARDS

• Awarded Journal of Hospitality Tourism Management Award for Highly Recommended Paper, Elsevier. 2023
• Awarded the Asian Law Institute Fellowship Grant for one Semester from 25th September to 25th November 2017 at the Asian Law Institute, National University of Singapore.
• Awarded the ‘Best Faculty Award for 2017’. The award was presented by Mr. Vijay Rupai, Honourable Chief Minister, State of Gujarat, 17th July 2017.
• Awarded the German Academic Exchange Service or DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Scholarship and was a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Cologne, Germany from 10th March 2017 to 10th May 2017.
• Awarded the Israeli Government Scholarship for Research in Comparative Studies at Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Israel, (2012-2013).
• Special Award Certificate for Value Consciousness and Constructive Leadership, Symbiosis Law School, Pune, 2010.
• Awarded the Chancellors International Scholarship of £2200 at the hands of Prof Alasdiar Smith, Vice Chancellor, University of Sussex in 2006.
• Awarded LLM Degree at the hands of Lord Sir Richard S Attenborough CBE, Chancellor, University of Sussex, Brighton in January 2008.
• Awarded Certificate of Merit for standing fifth in the University of Pune at the Bachelor of Law Examination in 2006.
• Awarded Certificate of Merit for Outstanding and Dedicated Service and Profound Commitment to Marine Environment from Ocean Conservancy, Texas, USA in 2003.
• Received Life Saving Certificate from National Life Saving Society at the hands of Rear Admiral P D Sharma AVSM, NM in 2002.
• Awarded Gold Medal at the National Cadet Corps Day celebrations, Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune, 1999 for being adjudged the Best Naval Cadet.
• Received the Best Cadet Commendation Award of 3 Mah Naval Unit National Cadet Corps, Pune at the hands of Group Commander, Colonel C V Mohan in 1999.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Fluent in Hindi, Marathi and English

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Volunteer for Cat Haven
Involved in the operations of the ECU Tax Clinic

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Gardening, trekking and sailing.

REFERENCES

Available on request