In addition to being a professor of history, Professor Hansen is the Director of International and Global Studies at WPI. In this role, responsibilities include enhancing the curricular components of WPI’s global programs, exploring new partnerships, and advising students in global projects. Hansen's research investigates the intertwined histories of mountaineering and modernity and has been a featured lecturer at public libraries and museums and as a commentator for television programs on the BBC, History Channel, and Discovery Channel.