Dr. Hardersen has wide-ranging experience in scientific research, academia, and the travel industry. He has published a variety of scientific research papers, primarily involving the study of the surface composition and mineralogies of main-belt asteroids to better understand early solar system physical conditions. He has also conducted solar physics research, focusing on the proper motions of complex sunspots and their possible associations with solar flares. During his tenure as a university professor, he taught a variety of courses that included astrobiology, observational astronomy, and solar physics. He earned a university-wide professional teaching award in 2013. In addition, he led the development of a startup travel company and is a Certified Travel Associate with The Travel Institute.
