Christopher J. Hansen

Christopher J. Hansen is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Francis College of Engineering. He serves as SHAP3D Site Director and leads the Multifunctional Composites Laboratory, with additional affiliations in multiple research groups including SWIMMER, ADVANCE, Making Waves, HEROES, LoCSST, Wind Energy Research Group, RURI, PERC, and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing of Polymers and Soft Materials.

Professor Hansen's research focuses on four primary areas: additive manufacturing/3D printing, composites manufacturing/processing, safer materials/toxics use reduction, and engineering education. His work specifically explores multifunctional composite materials, self-healing materials, microvascular composites, and developing greener alternatives to toxic chemicals used in manufacturing. His recent publications demonstrate strong activity in nanomaterials printing, composite structural analysis, bio-derived resins, and flame retardant materials, with applications spanning aerospace, wind energy, and sustainable manufacturing.

• National Science Foundation grants for wind energy research and educational technology
• NASA funding for aerospace-grade composite materials and cryogenic pressure vessel research
• NIST support for the FIBERS roadmap initiative
• Toxics Use Reduction Institute funding for greener polyester resins

Professor Hansen actively mentors students through his Multifunctional Composites Laboratory, advising multiple Ph.D., M.S., and undergraduate researchers. His teaching includes undergraduate Materials Science and Capstone Design courses, and graduate Processing of Composites and Experimental Characterization courses. He emphasizes hands-on learning through industry site visits and practical demonstrations, connecting classroom theory to real-world manufacturing applications.