Jason Hans

Jason Hans is a Professor in the Department of Family Sciences within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky. He has been with the Department since 2004 and has held significant leadership positions including Department Chair (2021-2023), Director of Graduate Studies (2011-2015), and Director of Undergraduate Studies (2022).

Dr. Hans received his academic training at the University of Missouri, earning a B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies (1999), M.A. in Family Mediation (2001), and Ph.D. in Family Science (2004).

His research spans three primary content areas with methodological expertise in Multiple-Segment Factorial Vignettes (MSFVs). Dr. Hans has made significant contributions to the understanding of reproduction (particularly posthumous reproduction), sexuality (including sexual terminologies and behaviors), and divorce/stepfamilies (focusing on financial aspects following divorce). His methodological expertise in MSFVs has been instrumental in examining complex family issues through experimental design.

Dr. Hans has been widely recognized for his scholarly contributions and teaching excellence. His awards include being a two-time Fulbright Scholar to Ukraine, recipient of the USDA Excellence in Teaching Award, and multiple teaching awards from both the University of Kentucky and University of Missouri. He has also received research recognition including the American Council on Consumer Interests Applied Consumer Economic Award.

As a leader in his field, Dr. Hans served as Editor of Family Relations (2015-2020), the premier applied journal of family science, and has held leadership positions within the National Council on Family Relations at both state and national levels.

Dr. Hans teaches courses including Human Sexuality (HDF 253), Readings in Family Theory & Research (FAM 652), Research Methods in Family Science (FAM 690), Professional Development Seminar (FAM 775), and Applied Statistics in Family Science (FAM 777).