Benjamin Hansen

Benjamin Hansen is the W.E. Miner Professor at the University of Oregon and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). His work focuses on applied microeconomics, particularly the economics of crime, health economics, and labor market disparities. He utilizes quasi-experimental methods and collaborates with agencies to implement field experiments.

His research spans topics like police force size and racial disparities, the impact of recreational marijuana legalization, effects of cigarette taxes on youth smoking, and labor market consequences of policy changes. Recent work examines pandemic-related school closures, gun policy, and fentanyl overdoses linked to international trade.

Benjamin’s publications include articles in the American Economic Review, JAMA Pediatrics, and Journal of Public Economics, among others. He has contributed to debates on medical marijuana laws, “ban the box” policies, and the economics of environmental crime prevention.

Contact details: Email: bchansen@uoregon.edu | Office: 532 PLC, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403 | Phone: (541)357-8395