Scott Hansen

Scott Hansen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Oregon, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of membrane proximal signaling, integrating biochemistry, quantitative cell biology, material science, and theoretical approaches. He leads the Hansen Lab, which investigates phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) lipid kinases and phosphatases, their role in cellular organization, and spatial pattern formation in signaling networks.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of California, San Francisco
  • B.S., Biochemistry, University of California, Davis

Key research areas include:

• Reductionist biochemical reconstitution of signaling pathways
• Single-molecule biophysics of lipid-modifying enzymes
• Competitive kinase-phosphatase reactions driving bistability and symmetry breaking
• Interdisciplinary team science combining material science and theoretical modeling

Recent publications highlight emergent properties of membrane signaling (e.g., stochastic geometry sensing, positive feedback in PIP lipid synthesis), enzymology of PIP5K and PI3K, and actin-cytoskeleton interactions. Notable collaborations span Stanford, OHSU, and Northwestern University. The lab trains Ph.D. students in advanced biochemical techniques and interdisciplinary research, with alumni pursuing academic and industry careers. Teaching responsibilities include CH461/561 Biochemistry: Structure and Function of Macromolecules (Fall 2024) and CH468/568 Cellular Biochemistry (Spring 2025).