Paul Hardersen

Paul Hardersen has a diverse work experience spanning various industries. Paul served as the Founder and CEO of Seadog Travels, a nautically-themed travel company offering a range of travel services. Prior to that, they worked as a POP Consultant at POP Yachts. Paul also served as the CEO of Trouvaille LLC, a travel hosting company offering unique travel experiences worldwide. Additionally, Paul worked as a Senior Scientist at the Planetary Science Institute, conducting NASA-funded research on asteroids and organizing a national NASA citizen science conference. Paul also held various positions at the University of North Dakota, including Associate Professor and Director of the UND Space Studies Observatory and ND NASA EPSCoR. Paul began their career as an Engineman in the U.S. Navy.

Paul Hardersen pursued their education in the field of Geology. Paul completed their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in Geology and Political Science from Iowa State University from 1988 to 1997. Following this, they obtained their Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Geology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where they attended from 1997 to 2001. Paul further expanded their expertise by earning a Ph.D. in Geology from the same institution, completing their studies in 2003.

In addition to their academic pursuits, Paul Hardersen also obtained various certifications, showcasing their interests and expertise in other fields. These certifications include becoming a Certified Niche Specialist in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons from The Travel Institute in August 2022, completing the ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing Course from the American Sailing Association in June 2022, and participating in the Pre-Seed Business Accelerator program offered by Startup Tucson in June 2021. Paul also holds the Certified Destination Specialist (CDS) designation for the Caribbean from The Travel Institute, which they achieved in December 2020. Other certifications include completing the Online Boating Safety Course (Arizona) from the BoatUS Foundation in August 2020, earning the title of Seabourn Academy Graduate with Seabourn Cruise Line in May 2020, attaining the Master of Adventure certification from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in March 2020, becoming a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) through The Travel Institute in February 2020, obtaining the ServSafe Food Handler certification from the National Restaurant Association in August 2019, and achieving the title of Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) through Visit Tucson in January 2020.