pbp.life · Plan · Blueprint · Perform

Dr. Earney
F. Lasten
PhD

Educator · Researcher · Strategist · AI & Data Science

Global Experience in: Aruba · Colombia · UAE · Vietnam · USA · Curaçao

30+
Years Experience
6
Countries
25+
Publications
50+
Courses
PBP
Dr. Earney F. Lasten PhD
PhD · University of Central Florida 30+ Years · 6 Countries
P Plan
B Blueprint
P Perform

The life's work of Dr. Earney F. Lasten PhD

A curated glimpse — three decades of international work, scholarship, and impact go far beyond these pages.

Scholar.
Innovator.
Builder.

"Leveraging AI, data science, and technology-enhanced pedagogy to drive innovation in education and business — across borders, languages, and disciplines."

Entrepreneurial academic leader with over 30 years of international experience spanning higher education, strategic consulting, information technology, and tourism & hospitality management — across the USA, Aruba, Vietnam, UAE, Colombia, and Curaçao.

Founder of VIAMOON Consultancy, creator of PayrollPlus.pro SaaS platform, and developer of the Connect2Teach.us e-learning ecosystem. Currently enrolled in a Post-Graduate Program in AI & Machine Learning at the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business.

AI & Machine Learning Data Science · Python · R Curriculum Architecture Accreditation Research Methods SaaS Development E-Learning Platforms Tourism & Hospitality Accessible Design Strategic Consulting
Papiamento
Native
English
Fluent
Spanish
Fluent
Dutch
Fluent
PGP
AI & Machine Learning: Business Applications
UT Austin · McCombs School of Business
2025–2026 · Austin, TX, USA
PhD
Education — Hospitality Management Track
University of Central Florida
2005–2010 · Orlando, FL, USA
MA
International Management · International Marketing
University of Saint Thomas
2002–2004 · Minnesota, USA
MS
Software Design & Development
University of Saint Thomas
1994–1996 · Minnesota, USA
BS
Computer Information Systems · Minor: Mathematics
National American University
1993–1994 · Minnesota, USA
AAS
Business Administration
National Education Center · Brown College
1991–1993 · Minnesota, USA
★ Honors & Awards: Five Full Government of Aruba Scholarships (1991–2010) · Dean's List · Presidential Commendation for Academic Excellence & Perfect Attendance
30+
Years of Experience
6
Countries Taught In
25+
Peer-Reviewed Publications
50+
Courses Taught
4
Languages Spoken
What I Offer

Expert Services for
Institutions &
Individuals

01
🎓
Thesis & Dissertation Advising
End-to-end academic mentorship from research design through defense. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods expertise. International university experience across 6 countries.
→ Master's · Doctoral · Postdoc
02
📐
Curriculum Design & Development
Full curriculum architecture from concept to delivery — undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Learning outcomes, assessment frameworks, and instructional design.
→ Higher Ed · Corporate · Online
03
🏛️
Institutional Accreditation
Strategic planning and documentation for national and international accreditation. Self-studies, quality frameworks, and compliance systems for colleges and universities.
→ National · International Standards
04
🤖
AI & Data Science Consulting
Applied AI strategy, machine learning implementation, data analytics, Python & R programming. Business intelligence, dashboards, and predictive modeling for organizations.
→ Business · Academic · Government
05
🔬
Research & Investigation
Grant-funded and commissioned research. Mixed-methods design, data collection instruments, statistical analysis, and publication-ready outputs. Tourism, business & education focus.
→ Applied · Academic · Policy
06
🌐
LMS & E-Learning Platforms
Design, development, and deployment of learning management systems and e-learning platforms. From concept to live. Accessibility-first, multilingual, mobile-optimized.
→ Full-Stack · Accessible · Scalable
07
📊
Strategic Consulting & Planning
Vision mapping, strategic plans, feasibility studies, and destination development for tourism, universities, and government bodies. 30+ years across 6 nations.
→ Tourism · Education · Government
08
💻
Web & App Development
Full-stack platforms, SaaS applications, survey tools, payroll systems, and custom business software. From prototype to production — built for real-world results.
→ SaaS · Surveys · Business Apps
09
Accessibility & Inclusive Design
Accessibility audits, inclusive tourism research, disability-aware curriculum, and WCAG-compliant platforms. Trained trainer for hospitality and aviation sectors.
→ Tourism · Education · Aviation
Digital Ventures

Platforms I Built
& Run

VIAMOON
🚧 Under Construction  ·  viamoon.com →
International strategic consultancy specializing in tourism, hospitality, education, and AI-driven research. Founded 2018. Active in Aruba, Colombia, Vietnam, and beyond.
Consulting Research Strategy
Connect2Teach
connect2teach.us →
Membership-based e-learning platform with 7 original courses on accessible and inclusive tourism. Designed for educators, hospitality professionals, and airport sector workers.
E-Learning Accessibility Inclusion
PayrollPlus
payrollplus.pro →
Full-stack SaaS payroll & HRM platform for the Dutch Caribbean. 2026 tax-compliant for Aruba. Expanding to Curaçao, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Saba & Sint Eustatius (2027).
SaaS HRM Caribbean
Scholarship

Selected Publications
& Research

📖  Books & Forthcoming
Forthcoming
The Experience Masterplan: A Universal Blueprint for Planning, Designing, Funding, and Delivering World-Class Attractions and Projects
Wiley Publisher · 33 Chapters · Lasten, E.
Book · Wiley
2021
A Blueprint for Planning and Designing Staged Authentic Heritage Attractions in Small Island Nations
Viamoon Consultancy Publisher · Lasten, E. (Based on PhD Dissertation 2005–2010)
Book
2021
Orua to Aruba: An Island Story 1300–2000
Viamoon Consultancy Publisher · Lasten, E.
Book
📚  Book Chapters
2019
Tourism Education in Vietnam
In C. Liu & H. Schänzel (Eds.), Tourism Education and Asia (pp. 125–142). Springer, Singapore · Losekoot, E., Lasten, E., & Cuong, T.P.
Book Chapter · Springer
2015
El Papel Estratégico de la Comunidad en la Industria del Turismo en Colombia
In Perspectivas y prospectivas del desarrollo turístico de la zona costera del departamento del Atlántico. Universidad Autónoma del Caribe · Rivera, A., Lasten, E., Mura, I., & Buitrago, N.
Book Chapter
📄  Refereed Journal Articles
2024
The Art of Communicating with Business Developers via Multiple Intelligences: A Case Study of What Is in a Periodical's Message?
ISAR Journal of Economics and Business Management, Vol-2, Iss-7 · Fjelstul, J., Johnson, C., Lasten, E., & Upchurch, R.S.
Journal Article
2024
Managing Stakeholder Conduct, Social Responsibility, and Ethical Climate: The Case of Curaçao
ISAR Journal of Economics and Business Management, Vol-2, Iss-7 · Fjelstul, J., Johnson, C., Lasten, E., & Upchurch, R.S.
Journal Article
2023
The State of Global Citizenship Education within Curaçao's Primary School System
Education 313, 51(7), 1173–1184 · Lasten, E., Upchurch, R.S., & Christina, G.
Journal Article
2022
Tacit Ontologies: An Application of Nisbett's Geography of Thought Premise as Discerned by Hospitality and Tourism Students
Tourism Culture & Communication, 22(1), 85–94. E-ISSN 1943-4146 · Lasten, E., Liu, D., Jiang, L., & Upchurch, R.S.
Journal Article
2018
The Development of Soft Skills During Internships: The Hospitality Student's Voice
Research in Hospitality Management, 8(2). ISSN 2224-3534 · Losekoot, E., Lasten, E., Lawson, A., & Chen, B.
Journal Article
2014
Measurement of Traveler Expectations versus Service Gaps — The Case of General Aviation Services in Aruba
Tourism Management Perspectives, 12, 68–70. ISSN 2211-9736 · Lasten, E.F., Curtis, C., Upchurch, R.S., & Dammers, C.
Journal Article
2014
Experiencias Auténticas: Caso Atracciones Culturas en Bogotá
El Anuario Turismo y Sociedad, 15, 137–147. ISSN 0120-7555 · Lasten, E., Rivera, A., & Rodriguez, M.
Journal Article
2014
Un Análisis de Contenido de La Revista Escuela de Administración de Negocios (Universidad EAN) (1986–2012)
Revista Económicas CUC, 35(1), 27–44. ISSN 0120-3932 · Salamanca, L., Lasten, E., & Rivera, A.
Journal Article
2014
Car Club Membership — A Product Extension of Interval Ownership
Quarterly Review of Business Disciplines, 1(3), 231–240. ISSN 2334-0169 · Lasten, E., Upchurch, R., & Stiles, J.
Journal Article
2014
Supervivencia de las PYMEs según el Ciclo de Vida
Coyuntura PYME, (44), 16–19. ISSN 2011-9755 · Rivera, A., & Lasten, E.
Journal Article
2013
A Blueprint/Model for Planning and Designing Staged-Authentic Heritage Attractions
Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 11(2), 01–21. ISSN 0972-7787 · Lasten, E. & Pizam, A.
Journal Article
2013
Mentorschap: Onbekend Maakt Onbemand
Caribisch Juristenblad (Dutch). ISSN 2211-3266 · Van Lis-Donata, N. & Lasten, E.
Journal Article
2012
Franchising as a Model of Entry and Cooperation Agreement
International Journal of Innovations in Business, 2(3), 241–248. ISSN 2050-6228 · Heredia, A., Lasten, E.F., & Zárate, R.A.
Journal Article
2012
Authentic Experiences Assessment Instrument: The Case of Millennial Students and Cultural Attractions in Central Florida
Hospitality Review, 30(2). ISSN 0739-7011 · Lasten, E.F. & Upchurch, R.S.
Journal Article
2007
An Examination of the Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks from 2001 to 2005: Trends in Online and Blended Research
Online Learning Consortium (JALN), 1–15. ISSN 1939-5256 · Upchurch, R.S. & Lasten, E.
Journal Article
2007
State of the Timeshare Industry in Aruba — A Call for Research
Journal of Retail & Leisure Property, 6(3), 221–229. ISSN 1479-1110 · Hahm, J., Lasten, E., Upchurch, R.S., & Peterson, R.
Journal Article
🎤  Conference Presentations
2026
Integrating AI-Powered Data Science Tools in First-Year Hospitality Curriculum: Impact on Data Literacy and Career Readiness
11th Annual SECSA-CHRIE Conference, Tampa, FL · Upchurch, R.S., Lasten, E., & Jackson, L.
Conference
2025
Feeling the Destination: A Quaillustrative Approach to Measuring the Multisensory Perception of Accessibility in Latin American Tourism
ATLAS Latin América Conference, Bogotá · Universidad Externado de Colombia
Conference
2025
Beyond the Screen: Leveraging Digital Disruption to Forge an Inclusive and Accessible Tourism Ecosystem in Latin America
ATLAS Latin América Conference, Bogotá · Universidad Externado de Colombia
Conference
2023
The Confluence of Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethical Culture, and Sustainable Performance: A Stakeholder Perspective from Curaçao
8th Annual SECSA-CHRIE Conference
Conference
2021
Geography of Thought Revised: Tourism Ramifications
SECSA-CHRIE Virtual Conference, February 26 · Upchurch, R., Lasten, E., & Jiang, L.
Conference
2018
Three Presentations (Faculty Team)
TTRA Conference, RMIT Vietnam, December 1–3
Conference
2017
Tourism & Hospitality Management Academic and Work Experience in the Middle East
BU Tourism & Hospitality Conference, Bournemouth University, September · Lasten, E. & Butterton, D.
Conference
2013
El Rol de Búsqueda en la Universidad EAN: Un Análisis de Contenido de la Revista EAN (1986–2012)
Visión Latinoamericano VII, Universidad de la Costa CUC, Barranquilla · Lasten, E., Rivera, E., & Salamanca, L.
Conference
2013
Innovación Estratégica Económica: El Caso de Colombia
5th Congreso Internacional en Emprendimiento Sostenible, Universidad EAN, Bogotá · Lasten, E. & Rivera, A.
Conference
2012
Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Front Office and Back Office Hotel Employees in the Caribbean and Latin America
Congreso Internacional de Investigadores, Cartagena, Colombia · Lasten, E., Rivera, A., & Zarate, R.
Conference
2012
Franchising as a Model of Entry and Cooperation Agreement
Global Conference on Innovations in Management & Doctoral Symposium, UK (via Skype) · Rivera, A., Lasten, E., & Zarate, R.
Conference
2011
A Blueprint to Plan and Design Staged-Authentic Heritage Attractions in Large Nations
FORO Meso-Americano de Cultura, Turismo e Identidad, Mérida, Yucatán, México · Lasten, E.
Conference
Work Together

Book a Consultation
or Session

Let's build something
extraordinary together.

Whether you need a thesis advisor, a strategic consultant, a curriculum architect, or an AI and data science partner — I bring 30+ years of international expertise, four languages, and a track record across six countries.

🎓
Academic Advisory
Thesis, dissertation, research design, publication support
📐
Institutional Consulting
Accreditation, curriculum, strategic planning, LMS
🤖
AI & Data Science
Applied AI strategy, analytics, platform development
💼
Business & Research Projects
Grant writing, investigation, strategy, custom apps
Request a Session
I respond within 24 hours. All inquiries welcome.
Sent directly to researchlasten@gmail.com · CC info@connect2teach.us

Request Received

Thank you. Dr. Lasten will respond within 24 hours at the email address you provided.