Larry Olson

Larry Olson is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University, affiliated with the Polytechnic School within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and the Water Institute. He serves as Program Chair for Environmental and Resource Management and directs a cross-disciplinary Water Resources Management Certificate Program.

• Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania; B.S. in Chemistry from Baylor University; postdoctoral fellow at the University of Illinois.

His research focuses on environmental chemistry, health impacts of hazardous materials, and water treatment innovations. Key areas include nanomaterials, water resource sustainability, and international environmental policy.

Recent studies emphasize water contamination remediation, nanomaterial waste regulation, and public health implications of water crises. Collaborative work spans the U.S., Mexico, and the Balkans.

Scientific Awards:

• President's Medal (ASU) for Social Embeddedness
• Outstanding Professor (National Association of Industrial Technology)
• Teacher of the Year (ASU Polytechnic)

As Principal Investigator, Olson leads grants on hazardous materials training across the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and tribal lands. His expertise spans the Food-Water-Energy Nexus, environmental policy, and chemistry-based environmental solutions.