Laura Katz Olson

Laura Katz Olson is the AGF Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Lehigh University, where she has taught since 1974. Her work critically examines the intersection of politics, public policy, and healthcare systems, with a focus on the financialization of essential services through private equity (PE) investments.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of Colorado, 1974
• M.A., University of Colorado, 1971
• B.A., City University of New York, 1967

Olson’s research spans American politics, public policy, and the political economy of aging. She investigates PE’s impact on healthcare quality, costs, and accessibility, particularly in sectors like autism services, nursing homes, and hospice care. Her work critiques regulatory failures, financial engineering tactics, and the ethical implications of privatizing care.

Scientific Awards:

• Williamson Book Award (2012)
• Living Now Book Awards Gold Medal (2017)
• National Indie Excellence Award (2022)
• Joseph A. Dowling Award (2022)
• Charles A. McCoy Lifetime Achievement Award (2009)

Olson has authored nine academic books, including Elder Care Journey: A View from the Front Lines (2016) and Ethically Challenged: Private Equity Storms U.S. Health Care (2022). Her 2024 novel Wrinkled Rebels expands her creative contributions. She also sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Critical Political Science.