Ryan R. Hansen | Associate Professor
Steve Hsu Keystone Research Scholar
Warren and Gisela Kennedy Keystone Research Scholar
Ph.D. – 2008, University of Colorado Boulder
Chemical Engineering
B.S. – 2001, Colorado School of Mines
Chemical Engineering
Contact information
1017 Durland Hall
rrhansen@k-state.edu
Professional experience
Ryan Hansen received his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and his doctorate from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He returned to the Colorado School of Mines as a post-doctoral researcher and then worked at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In 2015, Hansen joined the Tim Taylor Department of Chemical Engineering at Kansas State University where he leads the Hansen Biointerface Laboratory.
Research
Hansen’s research group applies principles of chemical engineering, polymer science and microbiology to design novel biological materials, interfaces and soil amendments. His lab provides technologies that address sustainability in food, energy and water systems. Recent projects include investigating stimulus-responsive hydrogel materials for screening and separation of novel bacteria from environmental microbiomes, encapsulation of benefical bacteria in protective hydrogel coatings and use of microbial soil amendments for promoting soil and plant health.
Research keywords
Biointerfaces, polymers, hydrogels, microbial biotechnology, sustainability, bioinoculants
Academic highlights
Hansen has authored or co-authored more than 30 journal articles and holds five international or U.S. patents. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, and he is the current recipient of an NSF CAREER Award. His research and teaching have been recognized through the K-State Alumni Award for Faculty Excellence in Chemical Engineering, the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering’s Outstanding Assistant Professor Award and Engineering Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.