James Lewis “Jim” Hanson, longtime professor of civil and environmental engineering at California Polytechnic State University–San Luis Obispo and a leading member of ASCE’s Geo-Institute, has died. He was 58.
Hanson, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, was co-editor-in-chief of the Geotechnical and Geological Engineering Journal. His specialties were thermal analysis of landfills, characterization of geomaterials, ground improvement, and large-scale testing and field monitoring. He expanded geoenvironmental engineering knowledge-sharing between the United States and Japan and served many years on ASTM International Committee D18 on Soil and Rock.
He was chair of the Geo-Institute’s International Activities Committee for several years and regularly attended Geo-Congress, the institute’s annual conference.
“Jim was a fantastic mentor and directly inspired hundreds of students to pursue geotechnical engineering, myself included,” said Jake Risken, P.E., M.ASCE, senior engineer at Shannon & Wilson. “We lost a kind-hearted, dedicated member of our civil engineering community, and I feel his absence heavily.”
Born in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, Hanson earned a doctorate in civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Hanson was known for a calm demeanor that took things in stride, a strong moral compass and a sincere smile. In high school he was voted “mellowest classmate.” He greatly enjoyed teaching and the student relationships that formed.
In his free time Hanson enjoyed playing guitar and swimming, with a sense of curiosity and adventure that took him on travels around the world.
