Paul earned his Ph.D. at the University of Montana’s College of Forestry and Conservation in 2006 with a focus on natural resource policy and governance. He has conducted research and taught in both Montana and internationally with applied research, development work, and language training in Nepal as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar. Other research and training includes work with Inuit in several arctic national parks with Parks Canada in the Canadian Territory of Nunavut, review and consultation of forest management and community development projects in Guinea, West Africa through the U.S. Forest Service International Programs.