Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Faculty & Staff

Alan C. Hansen

Professor
Agricultural Engineering Sciences Building
360P AESB, MC-644
1304 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
Ph: (217) 333-2969
Fax: (217) 244-0323
E-mail: achansen@illinois.edu

Research Focus

Biofuels and machine systems engineering

Research Areas

  • Diesel Engine and Tractor Performance
  • Biofuels and Diesel Engine Combustion
  • Simulation Modeling of In-Field Grain Handling Systems
  • Machine Vision

Courses Taught

  • ABE 361 - Off-Road Machine Design
  • TSM 464 - Engine and Tractor Power
  • ABE 466 - Engineering Off-Road Vehicles
  • ABE 100 - Intro to Agr Engineering
  • Study Tour to South Africa - Summer 2004

Education

  • Ph.D., Agricultural Engineering, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa 1990
  • M.S., Agricultural Engineering, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa 1978
  • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa 1975

Professional Experience

  • Professor, 2009-present, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois
  • Associate Professor, 1999-2009, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois
  • Affiliate, 2006-2008, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois
  • Professor, 1997-1999, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
  • Acting Head, 1995-1996, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
  • Visiting Professor, 1993-1994, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Illinois
  • Associate Professor, 1993-1996, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
  • Senior Lecturer, 1988-1992, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
  • Visiting Scholar, 1987-1988, University of Illinois
  • Lecturer, 1982-1987, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
  • Research Engineer, 1979-1982, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Honors and Awards

  • Paper Award - Outstanding Technical, American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 1990
  • Silver Medal for Academic Achievement, South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers, 1990
  • Silver Medal for Best Publication of the Year, South African Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 1992
  • Silver Medal for Best Paper Published, South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers, 1992
  • Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of Natal, Faculty of Engineering, South Africa, 1994, 1996
  • Teaching Excellence Award, ASAE Student Branch, University of Illinois, 2002
  • Outstanding Paper Award, Information and Electrical Technologies Division, ASAE, 2003
  • Certificate of Appreciation, American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE), Recognition for outstanding service in co-authoring “Engine and Tractor Power 4th Edition”, Published by ASAE, 2004
  • Everitt Award for Teaching Excellence, College of Engineering, University of Illinois, 2004
  • Accenture Outstanding Advisor Award, College of Engineering, University of Illinois, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007
  • Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, 2005
  • Academy of Teaching Excellence, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, 2005 - 2008
  • Superior Paper Award, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2006
  • Teacher Fellow Award, North American Colleges and Teachers in Agriculture, 2007
  • Best Poster Award, National Capstone Design Course Conference, Boulder, Colorado, 2007
  • J. Kent Mitchell Teaching Excellence Award, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois, 2008
  • Karl E. Gardner Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award, University of Illinois, College of ACES, 2009

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