Dr. Christopher Hansen’s research focuses on understanding plasma phenomenon and dynamics with realistic 3D geometry and boundary conditions for both engineered and natural plasmas – with a focus on fusion-relevant plasmas. The group develops and applies validated physics-based numerical simulations and fast data-driven models using machine learning. While Dr. Hansen group’s work is primarily computational, it prioritizes a close coupling to experimental investigations to provide trustworthy models for design and control applications. The tools and methods developed by this group are currently applied to the design of new prototype fusion reactors and the understanding, improvement and control of present and future devices.
Dr. Hansen joined the Columbia Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics Department in January 2023. Before that Dr. Hansen was a Senior Research Scientist in the Aeronautics and Astronautics Department at the University of Washington, where he led several research projects including the HIT-SI experimental lab and collaborations with groups at Columbia and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. He received his B.S. in Aeronautics & Astronautics from the University of Washington-Seattle in 2009 and his Ph.D. from the University of Washington-Seattle in 2014.