For the 23rd century Orion merchant-prince, see: Ganz

Gans was a male Human teacher who served as a civilian crewmember aboard the USS Enterprise-D in the 2360s. In 2367, he taught twelfth-level history, and his pupils included Wesley Crusher and Ari Ben-David.

When his class was studying the American Revolution, Gans invited Commander William Riker to come in as a guest lecturer, given the first officer's interest and Academy scholarship in that period. Captain Jean-Luc Picard commented that, having heard the teacher's lectures, it was a good idea for Gans to bring in assistance. (TNG comic: "The Lesson")