About
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Andrew has lived in more than 13 cities across 8 different states in the U.S., and has spent much time overseas. Growing up in a working class family, Andrew learned the meaning of hard work at a young age, thus instilling a tenacious work ethic. His personality and open-mindedness can be attributed to the wonderful people who influenced him as he matured, such as his loving mother, and terrific teachers.
These traits served him well during his enlistment in the U.S. Air Force, where, as a Security Forces Law Enforcement Officer, he was faced with a number of challenges that ranged from technical to life-saving. His most notable period during his active duty enlistment was as a Military Working Dog Handler, where he was able to work with his best friend, Beni, each day. As a Patrol Explosives Detection Dog Team, he was exposed to a number of one-of-a-kind opportunities, while stateside and deployed. Andrew was continuously selected for Secret Service missions, whereby he was charged with protecting the President of the United States, the Vice President, and even foreign dignitaries – but little did he know that this would not be the only capacity in which he would serve the President.
At the end of his active duty service he was faced with a difficult decision, he could stay in and continue his career or get out and be united with his now fiancé. As you may be able to note, he chose the latter and ended his military profession, moving to Phoenix, Arizona where he aggressively pursued his bachelor's degree at Arizona State University. It was here that Andrew was able to expand his knowledge and interest in all things science and technology (S&T). With the guidance of some remarkable professors, he was able to delineate his pathway to a career, and soon found himself bound for Washington D.C.
Mr. Hanus then found himself working at the White House, in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, which is the nucleus of the President's best and brightest scientists, technologists, and environmentalists. An unlikely place for a non-scientist to be, but as an advocate for S&T and respective policies he was a fervent and unrelenting force that would envelop himself into subject matter in pursuit of ensuring goals would be achieved.
Sharing ideas on how a Military Working Dog can teach life lessons at the 2017 Georgia Tech TEDx Student Speaker Salon
After his year at the White House, Andrew realized that in order to continue to be an advocate for such critical matters, he would need to continue his education. After moving to Atlanta, Georgia, the choice for him was obvious in that he should attend school at one of the finest institutions in the southeast, the Georgia Institute of Technology. Here he continues to learn methods in which he can positively impact social systems through city planning and public policy. And is always looking for ways to give back to the community through leadership coaching and sharing abstract ideas to help individuals be the best version of themselves.
Andrew's success in his program is driven by his goals and passions – to make an impact on the S&T community by being an advocate for sound evidence-based science, strong local and national support, and through promoting future generations to take an interest in STEM.
FUN FACTS
Andrew has actively competed in powerlifting and strongman events over the years
He enjoys craft beer and has an extensive collection of rare beers that he shares with good company
Hidden talents include chocolate making and gardening
He contributed to President Obama's 2016 White House Science Fair speech
