Olson’s research expertise is in molecular techniques, as well as the microbiology of drinking and waste waters. Her interests cover the use of molecular biological techniques to optimize wastewater treatment, the study of microorganisms of public health importance in environmental waters, and how microorganisms influence water quality. Prior to joining the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Olson was a professor in the Department of Environmental Health, Science, and Policy and Environmental and Community Medicine at UC Irvine.

Ph.D., Environmental and Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Berkeley
M.S., Environmental and Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Berkeley
B.S., Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine