Hansen recieved a B.A. in political science from New College, an M.A. in American History from Florida State University, and an M.A. in European History from Cornell University. After years of teaching at the University of South Florida and at Cornell University, she is now a writer and editor specializing in books, articles, and research reports on political and economic trends. Ms. Hansen also works as a research analyst for state legislative reforms and prepares white paper reports for national organizations and federal agencies.