Guest: Dr. Paul Hardersen, Assistant Professor of Space Studies at the University of North Dakota, returned as the guest for this Space Show program. We started our discussion with the new developments at Space Studies, including a new department head with the selection of Dr. David Whalen, the hiring of two new professors, Drs. Ron Fevig and Jim Cassler, and the appointment of the newest adjunct professor, Dr. John Jurist. Dr. Hardersen went on to discuss the changes to the Space Studies observatory as the UND Observatory is operational with new astronomical equipment, including two optical telescopes and one radio telescope, all internet controllable. These are remote controlled for the students, both on campus and distance students, and Paul explains how this works during our discussion. Having access to these telescopes is a major advantage for those attending the UND Space Studies program. When asked about observing and weather conditions for Grand Forks, Paul pointed out that the weather is not that extreme, that Grand Forks is, in fact, several hours south of Canada, and the observing is all done over the internet, so you don't need to brave the cold. Dr. Hardersen also talked about recruiting new students, specifically on-campus students, and there is a push for doing this at this time. You can check out the department and get more information on the program by visiting www.space.edu. The recently held ISDC conference came up given that there were many students in attendance at that conference, plus the upcoming SmallSat Conference, and Dr. Hardersen pointed out that these conferences and others like them will become a major focal point for future Space Studies students, faculty, and recruiting efforts. A few listeners inquired about jobs that might be available once one finishes the MS in Space Studies. Dr. Hardersen describes the process in detail of the student working with his/her advisor early in the program to assure proper networking and eventual job placement. As I said during the discussion, students that I know have all landed excellent positions within the space industry. This is a comprehensive discussion about Space Studies at the University of North Dakota, but also space studies in general, competition for space studies students among many universities in the States as well as overseas such as ISU. If you have questions about Space Studies, want information about attending UND, or just have comments or questions for Dr. Hardersen, you can reach him at his office phone of (701) 777-4896 and tell him you heard him on The Space Show. His email address is Hardersen@space.edu.
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The Space Show
